Understanding IETMs and ETMs
Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) have long been used in Department of Defense (DoD) implementations to help maintain and diagnose tanks, trucks, and weapon systems. Looking for the same quality and efficiencies, the commercial marketplace is beginning to adapt the DoD standards in the areas of maintenance, service, and parts manuals.
IETMs provide an array of benefits as described below, but none seem more important than putting better and smarter documentation into the hands of the people who will benefit most—repair and maintenance technicians.
O'Neil's standards-based approach to IETM creation allows for deployment in any medium, including CD-ROM or Web delivery systems. Because we develop to support enterprise-wide support chain solutions, companies can quickly and easily roll out their IETMs into their aftermarket and support operations. They will also see an immediate impact on their bottom line through increases in efficiency, revenue, and customer satisfaction.
O'Neil IETMs are scalable, supportable, and nonproprietary, and they have the look and feel of a Web browser. Forward-thinking customers turn to O'Neil to help them move to an improved environment for their product support information, with publishing solutions that are process based rather than software product based, and that maximizes the value and utility of their data.
Key IETM Benefits:
- Reduced downtime
- Reduced user time (man-hours)
- Reduced warranty costs
- Reduced printing expenses
- Reduced distribution costs
- Eliminates change pages
- Lower cost per user
We often get asked the question, "Could you explain the difference between the classes of IETMs?" So, we've provided the following list for reference. Over the years, we've produced all the different classes of ETMs and IETMs, but have received more requests for our Class 3 to Class 5 IETM capabilities in the past couple years. Although most everyone would prefer the benefits/functionality of a Class 5 IETM, budget and life of product may not justify the investment—that's where ETMs are still a good choice for many applications associated with legacy data. One size doesn't fit all—we work with our clients to create the best solution for their needs and future requirements.
Paper (Class 0)
Conventionally printed technical manuals–paper only
Electronically Indexed Page Images (Class 1)
Page images Raster, not live text and may include linking from Table of Contents to specified page (very inexpensive).
Electronic Scrolling Documents (Class 2)
Page oriented, but live ASCII text with SGML/XML tags. May use hypertext to other related areas within the document and may include multimedia.
Linear-Structured IETMs (Class 3)
Linear-structured information utilizing SGML or XML, yet still resembling a paper document. Most often viewed as an indexed PDF file.
Hierarchically Structured IETMs (Class 4)
Hierarchically structured and specifically authored for IETM presentation. This class of IETM provides for robust cross-referencing between different, but related, data. The data is commonly tagged using SGML or XML and stored in a relational or object-oriented database.
Integrated Process IETMs (Class 5)
This class lets the manual interact with different processes. These processes may include expert systems, test equipment, prime equipment diagnostics, intrusive and remote diagnostics, etc. See O'Neil Develops State-of-the-Art IETM for Satellite Communications Company and Next Generation EMS.