Step-by-step instructions, or 'expert sytems' don't have to be created using CMS or HTML - there are advantages in implementing these in other ways.
A government department wanted to provide online help with a form-filling exercise. Call centre staff would refer to an 'expert system' with a series of Yes/No questions to identify the answers to callers' queries.
The initial idea was to design the system using web pages on the department's intranet. But I suggested a different approach which was a more cost effective and adaptable solution.
I suggested they should either use PowerPoint or Acrobat pdf files instead. I pointed out that they wouldn't need programmers to create these expert systems (or 'wizards' as we sometimes call them). They could also be easily accessed using their intranet.
Both solutions are just as capable as HTML when you exploit their inbuilt hyperlinking facilities.
What no programmers?
Realisation dawned and they went back to rethink their whole approach. The beauty is that a manager, with minimal training, can create or amend such systems - in hours rather than the days of programming and retesting that HTML takes.
This approach lends itself to rapid changes in company and HR legislation.
A single pdf or Powerpoint file can replace hundreds of HTML and graphics files.
What's more, the system can even run on a computer that's not connected to a network allowing managers to use them on their laptops when they are away from the office. The files created can also be sold as essential software to consultants.
in control of their own destiny
I recently demonstrated a simple expert system to an HR department of a major UK bank. The team had no idea that Powerpoint was so powerful and were delighted that they could be in control of their own destiny without resorting to HTML programming.
This approach lends itself to rapid changes in company and HR legislation.
The design of screens of Powerpoint or pdf files can be just as good as web pages and the files can be saved so that the material cannot be altered by the user.
When the systems are accessed on an intranet the user may be unaware of the software that is running in the background. So who cares it's only PowerPoint?!
When you find the intranet programming team is snowed under with work, perhaps it may be worth exploring other ways to implement less conventional programmed solutions on your intranet.