Developing a modular machine manual ready for 2027
One machine platform was fully redocumented, reduced from 150 pages to around 40, and rebuilt as a visual and modular manual. The result now serves as a template for more than 27 future manuals.
Reduction
150 to ~40
Collaboration
On milestones
Applications
27+
AmbaFlex is an international manufacturer of spiral conveyors, operating in a market where precision, safety and compliance are critical. With an expanding machine portfolio and upcoming European legislation, including the new Machinery Regulation coming into force in 2027, it became clear that the existing documentation was no longer fit for purpose.
The issue was not just volume. Existing manuals were technically sound, but difficult to navigate for the people using them day to day. A more structured and future ready approach was needed.
The challenge
The existing manual for one machine platform ran to around 150 pages and lacked the modular structure, visual clarity and regulatory future proofing the business needed. AmbaFlex needed a redesigned manual that meets current and upcoming legal requirements, works for different user groups and can be scaled across the remaining 27+ applications.
Blackbear's role
The assignment was structured as a fixed price pilot with clearly defined milestones, giving AmbaFlex visibility over progress and deliverables throughout. Blackbear engaged a specialist who combined compliance knowledge, technical documentation experience and the ability to translate complex content into visual formats. In close collaboration with AmbaFlex’s internal engineers and technical writers, the work was delivered in a milestone based setup.
Result
The pilot delivered a complete and graphically designed manual for the selected machine platform, reduced from around 150 to about 40 pages, modular by user group and aligned with both current and upcoming regulations. Alongside the manual, a reusable template and clear rollout guidelines were created for the wider documentation portfolio.
