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Someone said:
>>Your description of a simple Excel file sounds like you're capturing all the relevant information.
I strongly disagree. Excel is no more a content management solution than notepad. How would you track the revisions, store them, and be sure that noone changes older versions? In excel this is impossible. How about diff-ing files, another common task you do with content management.
I don't think Perforce of SourceSafe are over-engineering. They are the right tools for the job.
Someone else said:
>>You're capturing the correct information but your system will succeed only if everyone is good about following it.
And using one of these CM tools will solve the problem of compliance, plus give you the added benefit of single-source backups. If the files are locked and must be checked out before changing, then everyone has no choice but to follow the rules.
As for formal methodologies. Here you go.
1. Install CM server software.
2. Have people install client versions on their machines.
3. Check out files when you wanna use them.
4. Check them back in when you are done.
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