Top Alternatives to Quanos in 2025: Platforms That Go Beyond Documentation

Quanos has long been a go-to solution for OEMs looking to manage technical documentation and parts catalogues. It excels at structured publishing, particularly for companies invested in legacy PLM systems. But as the field service and after-sales landscape evolves, many teams are looking for tools that go beyond PDF outputs.

In 2025, the service experience is no longer just about documentation—it's about speed, technician enablement, and interactive, AI-supported workflows.

Why Teams Are Looking Beyond Quanos

For all its strengths in structured content publishing, Quanos has several limitations for modern OEMs:

Complex, on-prem architecture: Hard to manage without dedicated IT.
Limited flexibility: Built around traditional documentation needs, not field workflows.
No technician-facing UX: Doesn't support scheduling, self-service portals, or mobile enablement.
Steep learning curve: Most teams need external consultants to get up and running.

These factors make it hard for lean service teams to scale documentation into something truly actionable for field engineers or customers.

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The Top Alternatives to Quanos (2025 Edition)

Here’s a breakdown of platforms that OEMs are turning to—ranging from classic CCMS tools to newer, modular systems designed for the field.

1. Siemens Teamcenter RapidAuthor

Siemens offers a tightly integrated authoring tool for Teamcenter PLM customers. RapidAuthor allows technical illustrators to generate 3D instructions directly from CAD data.

Strengths: Ideal for organisations already invested in Siemens.
Limitations: High cost, complex setup, and not suitable for agile teams or SMBs.
Official site

2. Cortona3D

Cortona is widely used in aerospace and defence sectors. It excels at producing animated technical content, such as illustrated service guides and assembly walkthroughs.

Strengths: Powerful 3D visuals; ideal for training content.
Limitations: Not a full documentation system; lacks service features.
Official site

3. Schema ST4

A well-established structured authoring platform, Schema is built around XML and has strong adoption in German manufacturing.

Strengths: Great for highly regulated environments.
Limitations: High barrier to entry; best suited for large enterprises with specialist authors.
Official site

4. IXIASOFT CCMS

IXIASOFT focuses on enterprise-grade, DITA-based content workflows. It offers collaboration features and workflow automation for technical documentation teams.

Strengths: XML-compliant, scalable.
Limitations: Geared toward publishing—not field enablement or modular digital service.
Official site

5. Makula

Makula is a modular platform built specifically for OEMs modernising their after-sales and service operations. Unlike Quanos, it includes field-ready tools like technician scheduling, customer portals, and AI-powered content discovery.

3D Stream: Create visual, animated service instructions
Field Service Module: Drag-and-drop technician scheduler
Customer Portal: Self-service access to documentation and ticketing
Industrial AI: Contextual search and AI Copilot for teams
AssetHub: Installed base tracking and preventive maintenance data
Learn more

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Makula vs Quanos: At a Glance

Feature	Quanos	Makula
Structured documentation	✅	✅
Technician scheduling	❌	✅
Installed base visibility	❌	✅
Interactive 3D manuals	✅	✅
AI-powered search	❌	✅
Cloud-native	Limited	✅
Modular module approach	❌	✅
Customer self-service	❌	✅

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Ready to Modernise Your Service Documentation?

Book a live demo to see how Makula transforms documentation, boosts technician productivity, and integrates seamlessly with service workflows.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Makula just a documentation tool?

No — Makula combines interactive manuals with field service scheduling, asset visibility, and contextual AI support.

Can I migrate content from Quanos?

Yes, Makula supports PDF, 3D, and other structured documentation. For XML migration, custom onboarding is available.

Does Makula offer AI-powered features?

Yes — via the Industrial AI layer, Makula includes Copilot support, smart search, and knowledge retention tools.

Is it cloud-native?

Yes — Makula is fully cloud-first, modular, and designed for rapid deployment and flexibility.

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