Content Development
Types of Manuals
We often get asked the question, "Can you explain the difference between the types and classes of manuals?" So we've provided the following list for reference. We produce all classes of technical manuals, but recently, we have received a growing number of requests for our Class 3 to Class 5 electronic technical manuals. Although almost everyone would prefer the benefits and functionality of a full Class 5 IETM, the budget and life cycle of a product may not justify the investment. That's why ETMs are a good choice for many applications associated with short life-cycle products and legacy data. One size doesn't fit all. We work with you to create the best technical manuals for your current needs and future requirements.
Paper (Class 0)
Traditionally printed technical manuals that are only delivered as paper manuals.
Electronically Indexed Page Images (Class 1)
These electronic documents are page raster images that have been scanned, not live text. They may link from the Table of Contents to specific pages, and are very inexpensive to produce.
Electronic Scrolling Documents (Class 2)
Class 2 manuals are page-oriented live ASCII text with SGML/XML tags. They may use hypertext links to other related areas within the document, and can include multimedia.
Linear-Structured IETMs (Class 3)
Class 3 technical manuals are made of linear-structured information that use SGML or XML, yet still resemble paper documents. Class 3 technical manuals are most often viewed as indexed PDF files.
Hierarchically Structured IETMs (Class 4)
Class 4 IETMS are hierarchically structured manuals and are specifically authored for interactive electronic presentation. They allow for robust cross-referencing between data. Class 4 IETM data is commonly tagged using SGML or XML and stored in a relational or object-oriented database.
Integrated Process IETMs (Class 5)
The Integrated Process IETM lets a user interact with the technical manual, and in turn, the manual interacts with different processes. The processes may include expert systems, computer based training modules, interactive schematics, test equipment, prime equipment diagnostics, intrusive or remote diagnostics, etc. Please read the case study Next Generation EMS for more information on how these sophisticated, often exhaustive manuals are created and implemented.
An example page from a Class 5 electronic manual.
NEW! Watch the video: A First Look at iETMs: Intelligent Electronic Technical Manuals