Sometimes it is treated like the pages in a novel that you skip to get to the exciting parts faster. But in the world of Product Compliance, technical documentation is neither a side note or decoration, but rather the inner compass of a product.
Mandatory? Yes, absolutely.
Optional? Surprisingly, yes.
Mandatory because it is enshrined in law and provides proof that a product has been developed safely, compliantly, and thoughtfully.
Optional because good documentation can do more than just tick off requirements. It becomes an invisible framework that relieves teams, preserves knowledge and shines like a well-oiled protective shield during audits.
Companies that see documentation as nothing more than a burden are wasting potential. Companies that design it as if it were part of the product itself gain clarity, speed and trust.
