In our latest case study, we dive deep into the collaborative journey between Kordiam and Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), showcasing a real-world example of how advanced content management and strategic planning solutions can transform the operation landscape of a leading newsroom. This partnership underscores the pivotal role of Kordiam in empowering news organizations to navigate the complexities inherent in today’s digital-first media environment.

With its formidable network of German-speaking correspondents worldwide, offering round-the-clock coverage, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) thoroughly understands the complexities of scheduling and coordinating content production. It’s a logistical feat that requires precision, insight, and the right tools for the job. That's precisely where Kordiam steps in - not just as a tool but as an indispensable part of NZZ's content orchestration.

NZZ's confidence in Kordiam, naming it a 'best of breed' in their toolset, is a testament to our platform's adaptability and efficiency. This commendation comes straight from the planners' hub, encapsulating their trust in our system: "If it's not in Kordiam, it doesn't happen."

André Maerz and the Evolution of Content Management

André Maerz, a pivotal figure in managing NZZ's editorial flow, has leveraged Kordiam far beyond its celebrated editorial calendaring functionalities. Deploying it across a 300-strong user base, Maerz underscores Kordiam's prowess in facilitating cross-channel planning, asset ordering, and clarifying accountability within complex organizational structures.

Here's how Kordiam empowers teams like NZZ:

• Cross-Channel Planning: Navigate the intricate web of digital and print media with Kordiam's comprehensive planning features. Tailor your content strategy to engage audiences across platforms efficiently.
• Asset Ordering and Management: Streamline how your team requests, tracks, and manages supplementary content like videos and infographics. Kordiam's intuitive system ensures that enriching your stories is as seamless as the storytelling itself.
• Clarity of Roles and Responsibilities: In the fast-paced environment of newsrooms, knowing "who is in charge of what" is crucial. Kordiam brings transparency and accountability, allowing teams to function like a well-oiled machine.

The Impact of Minimal Meetings

We understand the high cost of meetings in terms of time and productivity. André Maerz highlights Kordiam's role in reducing meetings significantly, favoring brief, focused briefings that enable the team to remain agile and responsive.

He also acknowledges the editorial software's role in paring meetings to the bone. As he explains; “in the morning there is a short briefing of about ten minutes for the paper and then for online. Then in the afternoon, there is another short briefing about the paper, and again at 5pm there is a brief meeting about the plan for online content through the night so that the overseas staff can be briefed.”

Much of the rest of the usual back-and-forth of which content requires videos or infographics are handled online. For example, users click an icon to request video or interactive content to accompany a story. The production teams have a filter which means they can see everything that is ordering enriched content.

They are like commissions, and we say OK but we can see four orders and we can only do two so we then decide with the authors what we will do.”

Simplifying Complex Processes

Content Requirement Handling: Kordiam simplifies the back-and-forth negotiation about content enhancements (videos, infographics) by enabling online requests and decisions. This direct approach removes ambiguity and accelerates content enrichment.

Utilizing a straightforward color-coded system, Kordiam provides real-time updates on the status of each content piece. If the production staff enter their name in black for an item then that means they are preparing it. If the name is in red then it means it can't be done yet. If the name is in green it means the work is finished. The end result is a traffic-light system that shows progress and asset management at a glance.  This transparent "traffic light" system ensures that everyone is aligned on the progress and delivery of assets.

For NZZ instant visibility and real-time asset, control is essential to managing a responsive, multi-channel publishing business.

Real-Time Asset Management

NZZ values the immediate visibility and control over assets that Kordiam delivers. André Maerz’s implementation of a penalty system for late deliveries underscores the importance of timeliness in our industry.

To keep an eye on that he has also created a 'departures board' for delivery which shows what is on time, what is delayed, and what has been canceled.

It's on a big screen in the newsroom and if it starts to turn red then it means it's time to do something... but it also means that retrospectively you can see what was delivered on time, and where there were delays. It is part of the editor-in-chief's job to scrutinize that and see how to improve.”

Kordiam's 'departures board' view grants a live snapshot of the publishing schedule, highlighting on-time deliveries, delays, and cancellations. This feature not only aids in day-to-day management but also serves as a valuable tool for retrospective analysis and improvement.

We invite you to discover how Kordiam can enhance your content management strategies. Empower your team, streamline your processes, and customize your approach with Kordiam. Let's explore what Kordiam can do for you.