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1. The need for Digital Documentation in defence industries!
As the world is adapting to new technologies, the documentation sector is upgrading from conventional, paper-based documentation to digital documentation. The documentation is developed using a structured XML, HTML, or SGML template and integrated into a standalone or server-based application. This application is known as Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) or Interactive Electronic Technical Publication (IETP). IETM’s, IETP has proved to pace up the learning cycle, reduce maintenance downtimes and eliminate the need for storage space on-board equipment. Now let us understand how digital documentation is benefitting on multiple levels.
The introduction of digital documentation has given the flexibility to upscale graphical literature with multimedia support. Annotating the thoughts at any point in the learning process gives a personal touch to highlight and record the important data. Credential-based access ensures that the right amount of data is accessible to a particular user. The conventional way of printing the literature and reprinting in case of small errors is a costly and time-consuming process. The digital documentation solutions i.e. IETM’s / IETP comes with built-in editors that provide revision control to the upgraded/modified literature. Hotspots, animations, wire tracing, and exploded views help any user, experienced or inexperienced, use the digital documentation with relative ease.
The usability of documentation is simplified due to the interactive nature of digitization. Instead of reading the complete set of technical literature before performing any task on a complex system, IETM / IETP provides interactive step-by-step instruction about the action required to complete the task. In case of time-consuming operations, the user can bookmark the location of the latest page and resume work the next time he uses the application. This reduces the probability of human error in interpreting the literature or missing out on any important activity. Safety, being a prime concern while working with complex systems, the application is equipped to display a warning, caution, and danger messages at appropriate locations.
Generating the data using an object-oriented database eliminates data redundancy by reusing the literature in the form of data modules. A data module is a block of information that stores a specific set of instructions in the database. The data module can be recalled at any location and any changes made at one location in the data module are reflected in all locations where the data module is called. This gives the flexibility to reuse the data and globalizing it across the literature of a particular system.
Navigation throughout the IETM is made simple by the ability to trace or track the path traveled with just a click of a button. This makes it easy for the user to navigate to the exact required data only. Ability to fetch stencils as per the role of technical literature, gives base frame/structure/format to the user updating or adding the new literature leads to maintaining similar standards throughout the literature. Linking one part of the literature to another makes the task or activity easy for the user. It makes the literature more informative and interesting for users while following the Operating procedures, Maintenance schedules, Flow charts, and troubleshooting procedures.
Setting up the application is an equally easy task. IETM / IETP package comes with a simple three-step installation procedure. Automatic configuration of database and setting up a connection to the master database on its own eliminate limitation of the requirement of system engineer for the installation. In this trend of upgrading literature to digital format, we eliminate the need of updating system-level infrastructure making IETM / IETP compatible to run on system hardware that is almost 20 years old, as technical literature’s life expectancy is far more than the system for which it has been developed.
Interactive Electronic Technical Manual existed since the ’90s but it is constantly evolving itself with time in the form of classes or levels. ILXS is equipped to upgrade the software with the latest technologies keeping in mind the hardware infrastructure of the defence systems.
2. The need for Computer Based Training
With initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, the government’s focus to create a self-reliant nation by improving the Defence infrastructure is gaining momentum. Along with the acquisition of the latest defence equipment, equal importance is to be given to the infrastructure of support systems for the equipment. One such aspect is Through Life Support (TLS).
TLS includes installation, commissioning, training, and documentation to efficiently maintain the equipment throughout its life. To achieve the goal, the training requirements have to be sufficiently fulfilled. As the number of recruits working on these systems is increasing continually, the conventional class-based/physical training approach is not proving to be an effective method to impart training.
An alternative to the conventional approach is Computer Based Training (CBT). With the defence forces upgrading their systems as per the latest technological advancement, CBT has become a mandatory requirement for personnel training. It is an interactive web-based/standalone application that is developed with careful consideration to the requirements of training. It includes features such as interactive videos, animations, graphics with subtitles to ease the learning process.
A user can learn about all the aspects of the systems at his own time and pace, annotating important points as he progresses through the training. The user can track his progress with quizzes, timely tests, and certifications on successful completion of training.
The application is developed in such a way to achieve seamless integration with the existing defence infrastructure. Security being a primary concern, the application is developed with credential-based access, both to application and database.
Future technologies such as AI and Machine Learning will further enhance the usability and functionalities of CBT. ILXS believes in this future and participates in the continual development of application adapting to latest technologies.
3. Importance of Technical Documentation
Technical documentation is an essential aspect of product development, as it helps to ensure that all stakeholders understand how a system works, and how to use it effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of technical documentation and why it’s crucial for the success of any project.
First and foremost, technical documentation provides a clear and concise explanation of the system’s architecture, design, and functionality. This is especially important for large and complex systems, where it can be difficult to understand how everything fits together without proper documentation. By providing detailed documentation, developers can easily understand the system’s structure and how it operates, allowing them to make informed decisions when making changes or troubleshooting issues.
Furthermore, technical documentation also helps to ensure that the system is maintainable and scalable. By providing detailed documentation on how the system works, future developers can easily understand the system’s structure and how to make changes without breaking it. This is especially important for defence projects, where many vendors may be contributing to the project at once.
Additionally, technical documentation also helps to ensure that the system is user-friendly. By providing clear and concise documentation on how to use the system, users can easily understand how to accomplish their tasks without having to rely on trial and error. This can save a lot of time and frustration, especially for systems that are used by non-technical users.
Finally, technical documentation also helps to ensure that the system is compliant with industry standards and regulations. By providing detailed documentation on how the system operates, organizations can demonstrate compliance with various regulations and standards, such as JSS, JSG, DME, MIL and ASD.
In conclusion, technical documentation is an essential aspect of product development, as it helps to ensure that all stakeholders understand how a system works, and how to use it effectively. It helps to ensure that the system is maintainable and scalable, user-friendly, and compliant with industry standards and regulations. It is crucial for the success of any project, and should be given the same level of attention and importance as the development of the system itself.
4. What is the cost of technical documentation
Documentation is a crucial aspect of any development project, as it helps to ensure that the end product is clear, accurate, and easy to use. However, the cost of documentation can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the specific tools and resources that are used.
One of the biggest factors that can affect the cost of documentation is the size and complexity of the project. For large, complex projects, the cost of documentation can be quite high, as it may require extensive research, testing, and editing. On the other hand, for smaller, simpler projects, the cost of documentation may be relatively low, as it may only require a few basic templates and instructions.
Another important factor that can affect the cost of documentation is the specific tools and resources that are used. For example, using specialized software or tools for documentation can be more expensive than using more basic tools, such as word processors or spreadsheets. Additionally, the cost of hiring specialized writers or editors can also be quite high, particularly if they have specific expertise or experience in the field.
Despite these potential costs, it is important to remember that the benefits of proper documentation can far outweigh the costs. Well-written and well-organized documentation can help to ensure that the end product is clear and easy to use, which can improve user satisfaction and reduce the number of support requests. Additionally, good documentation can also help to improve the overall quality of the project, as it can help to catch errors and inconsistencies before they become major issues.
In conclusion, the cost of documentation can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the specific tools and resources that are used. However, despite these costs, the benefits of proper documentation are clear and can help to ensure that the end product is clear, accurate, and easy to use, which can improve user satisfaction and reduce the number of support requests.
Digital Documentation Solutions!