Interactive Electronic Technical Manual.

Let’s understand what the meaning of IETM is. IETM is a Manual or softcopy of any book. Even PDF scanned files can also be called IETM. Any books, documents that are in digital format are IETMs.

Because if the book is seen in computer or whatever the manuals we see in a digital device is called Electronic Manual. If this manual is technical then it is called ETM, Electronic Technical Manual.

If this manual is dynamic or has multiple references in the form of hyperlinks, hotspots, etc, it is called Interactivity.

Whichever Manual is digital has technical information and contains cross-references are called Interactive electronic Technical Manual.

Many people think that IETM is a separate format like MS Word (.DOC) or Portable Document File (PDF).

IETM is a technical term used to represent but not a format. Even PDF file is also ETM. Normal scanned images compiled together is Level -1 IETM and PDF has hyperlinks, cross-references, indexing which means interactivity is called Level -2 IETM.

Level -3 IETM uses XML or HTML and makes it much dynamic than PDF. Level -4 is database-based IETM. All the manuals are converted into the MYSQL database and stored. A viewer is used to access the data based on the user request, data will be pulled from the database and displayed to user.

Level-1 and LEVEL -2 its PDF file. Level -3 HTML-based web application, LEVEL 4 is Databases based web application.

IETM Viewer is software that is used to see the manuals that are converted into a database.

Level 1,2 does not need any IETM viewers because they are PDF files. Level -3 is HTML based. A complete manual is converted into HTML/XML files page-wise like we create a website. Images, illustrations will be placed in a folder. HTML/text, Images, Illustrations, Images, etc are called media assets.

Using IETM Viewer, one can see all the files in a structured way. IETM Viewer is a piece of software that is used to view the documents and also used for interactivity and switch between topics, subtopics, cross reference, hyperlinks, etc.

In the case of Level -4 this viewer is very powerful and gives full power to the user for quick access.

IETMs are basically used in the defense system. A couple of years backs OEMs used to deliver many sets of hard copies to end-users (Navy/Army/IAF) if the number of pages is less, in this case, it is easy to refer for troubleshooting or operational procedures, etc.

For complex systems i.e. Missiles, Defence vehicles, communication, and non-communication systems where many systems and subsystems are involved, which makes the document count goes in thousands.

In such cases when the issue arises it will be very difficult to do quick referring. In such cases, IETMs are very very effectively used.

These IETMs are now made as mandatory deliverables along with actual equipment by the Indian defense.

This IETM follows Indian defense guidelines, standards JSG 0852:2019 which gives guidelines for IETM structure.

IETM Vs 3d Blowups

There is a misconception about IETM. As the name indicates interactive, then people assume that it is a 3d based on blowup software. Interactive means, users can browse or cross-refer or interact with the software to search on a particular topic/sub-topic.

Assume that you have 3000 pages in 10 different manuals, you cannot refer to all the pages quickly. But this interactive electronic technical manual searches the entire database of 3000 pages in a second and displays results. Because all the text is converted into the database, hence search and retrieval will be done in seconds. Users can see related topics and also on rollover of text, users can see images, Video or text descriptions, etc.

Users can save bookmarks and annotate text etc. Users can see his search history, document access history, etc.

These elements are called INTERACTIVITY. These features power the document and make it an Interactive electronic manual. These documents are technical in nature and seen using electronic devices hence they are termed interactive electronic technical manuals.

Interactivity does not mean, clicking on the part it will blow up into sub-parts, and clicking on a subpart it will further blow up and an explanation comes in voice-over, etc.

They are called 3d Blowups or 3d Virtual reality models and Computer-based tutors (CBTs)

Having said this, still we can put these 3d blowups in IETM. If OEM has any videos or 3d animation blowups then we can plug them into IETM.

IETM Assignment.

• This job is creating Interactive Technical Manuals Level -4
• IETM Vendor will only make IETM by using inputs given by the Client
• Videos, Images, Cad drawings/PDF, to be provided by Client only
• Whatever Videos, Graphics, Diagrams, etc available with the client will be integrated into IETM
• IETM Vendor will not create any 3d animations or 3D Models, or 2 d Animations, 2d Drawings, etc. Whatever the 3d file, OEM has, we will plugin in IETM only.
• Videography, photography or cad designing, blowup drawings designing, etc will not be done by IETM Vendor

3d Animations and blowups can be taken as separate tasks based on the complexity of the system and the level of blowups that you want. We have a separate division to take up such assignments.

If your SCOPE /SOTR /RFP says IETM then stick to IETM only. These 3d animations cost more than IETM cost.

Another important point to check is which IETM level the client/ SCOPE is asking for. Generally, they may ask for Level 3 or Level 4. (If your RFQ is 5 years old around 2016-17 then they may ask for Level -2)

The latest RFPs / SCOPE asks for Level -4 only.

If your client simply says IETM then opt for IETM level 3 only. Because Level 4 costs almost double of Level -3.

https://www.codeandpixels.net/interactive-electronic-technical-manual-services-levels

As per the new guidelines of defense, all the OEMs must supply IETM along with the physical component.

Login-based access, Next, Previous, History, Search, Annotations, Bookmark, Activity tracker, Fullscreen, Hotspot/hyperlinks, Image-based hotspot, Text-based hotspots, Video-based Hotspots, Change password, Content tree, expandable and collapsible, homepage main menu items, etc.

Yes, if it is IETM Level 3, you can run from DVD, because it does not have any database. Its standalone HTML 5 based pages with IETM Viewer. IETM Level 3 does not update your navigation history or user credentials etc hence can be run from DVD. Whereas Level 4 is database based, hence requires database installation. LEVEL 4 tracks all user activity and user-wise reports hence, every activity is tracked and the database keeps updating always. That is the reason IETM level 4 does not work from DVD or CD

When the electronic revolution started in 1990, PDF files were used as IETM till 2000. They used to be scanned images/raster images. Searching and hyperlinking indexing were not possible in those raster images. These are called LEVEL -1 IETM.

Advancement in technology, use of OCR, and other features was added in PDF files. Thus PDF was made with selectable text, images, tables, hyperlinks, and indexing etc. Cross-references hyperlinks made PDF more interactive and user-friendly. These were called LEVEL -2.

In level -2 there was one limitation. If the user manual or PDF file is single, then LEVEL 2 worked well. Hyperlinks inside a single PDF were possible but refereeing multiple PDFs i.e. cross-reference between manuals was again a challenge. For instance, let us assume that a user is looking for troubleshooting of some device and the troubleshooting requires the user to see the operational manual and technical manual etc.

Cross referring to multiple manuals was a problem. During that time HTML 5 has very strongly emerged as technology (2012). Taking advantage of technology, all these files are converted into HTML -5 and an IETM viewer is a piece of software program developed to see the files. This is LEVEL -3.

When the documents were thousands in number and ultra-quick navigation is needed for user inputs. In this scenario LEVEL, -4 was evolved. Level -4 is Database driven software which is way ahead powerful than all the previous levels.

This IETM was initiated in US defense having MIL-PRF-87268A number (MIL-M-87268, 87269) Based on these MIL standards, the Ministry of Defense, Directorate of Standardization, Joint service Guide (JSG) has framed guidelines which is 0852:2019.

Code and Pixels IETM framework is developed based on the Indian defense standard.

In earlier days, OEMs used to deliver hard copies of manuals due course of time it has become scanned image so that space is reduced. As technology advanced, PDF and Interactive PDFs were delivered. For more fats and better reference, IETMs were evolved which are database based hence takes very little space and fast in terms of searching for key ford and excellent for cross-referring between multiple manuals.

INDIAN Defense Standard JSG 0852 and International aviation standard S1000D.

IETM is not freeware and not open-source. It’s customized software developed as per the defense guidelines. This IETM framework or software is designed using Angular, Node.Js, MYSQL databases. IETM software has 3 Login modes. User, Admin, and Super Admin or authoring tool.

Users can see the manuals and Admin can create users and monitor user activities and super Admin can be used to create IETM content/database. Super Admin is also called as Authoring mode.

If you want to edit IETM level -3, you need basic HTML. Edit means you can edit the IETM developed by us. Similarly, if you want to edit IETM Level -4 you need not have any programming skills. We have inbuilt text editors to edit the content and easy to use GUI to update the content.

YES, IETM can be viewed from different devices and different sizes of monitors.

Yes, IETM can be viewed in Linux OS.

All the browsers support IETM viewing.

A few years ago IETM was EXE based. Due course of time, browsers have become more powerful and easy to use, and they are compatible with multiple devices and OS independent hence, browsers have taken over EXE-based IETMs.

EXE-based IETMs are obsolete now. A few years back, in 2015 Exe based IETMs were delivered to clients. A separate EXE has to be delivered for 64 bits system and also for 128 bits system. IETMs cannot be seen in Mobiles or Tabs. Hence all the EXE based IETMs are converted to browser-based IETMs

Contact sales@codeandpixels.net from your official mail ID and schedule a demo

IF IETM is mentioned in RFQ then it is Indian JSG 0852 standard only. Only very few end users are asking for S1000D. The use specifically mentions S1000D if they are looking for that standard.

It depends on the number of pages and Basic software cost. If OEM wants an authoring tool, the additional amount is paid. Price also depends on standard. In general, s1000d cost 4 times more than the INDIAN standard.

Deliverables are, IETM DB ( Database), IETM Viewer to see the DB and a server file, and Installation manual and User manual ( User manual and Admin manual) If you are also delivering Authoring tool then Authoring modules user manual.

The way JSG 0852 is the standard of Indian IETMs, S1000D is the standard for defense IETM.

Usage may be similar, but the Complete structure of IETM is entirely different from Indian standards.

S1000D uses XML files whereas JSG uses MySQL as a database. S1000D is a very costly solution. Users/Navy need to have S1000D CSDB studio to get all the documents converted as per S1000D.

If the navy /airforce does not have an S1000D suit or a CSDB studio then going for S1000D is absolutely no use. It is just like going for Level -3 IETM of Indian standard.

For S1000D, IETM is generated using CSDB studio which is authoring and distribution software. Once the document is authored then, it is exported as S1000D IETM. CSDB exports as XML package and also as IETM. This XML package has a Manifesto file wrapped with XML files. These XML packages can be imported into any Standard CSDB application.

Definitely not. S1000D IETM output is XML which used thousands of S1000D tags and DMs. Hence IETM developed using XML is not S1000D IETM. CSDB studio is needed to export IETM. CSDB studio maintains all version changes and Data Modules (DM) etc. Normal XML based IETMs can be called S1000d based IETMs.

Common Source DataBase is a software used to generate S1000D IETMS. S1000d is an international specification for developing technical publications.

S1000D is a recent concept introduced in India. S1000D IETMs are being developed by big aerospace companies but they use foreign-based CSDB i.e. Boeing spectrum etc. They cost crores. Indian companies use CSDB of western countries as of now.

Any XML-based application cannot be called CSDB studio.

CSDB Studio can create S1000d specified pages/DMs using specific Tags. CSDB can import original S1000D DMs and export any project into 2 3 outputs. IETM Viewer, XML package and PDF file.

CSDB studio can produce different DMs for different types of content.

A file or XML produced using CSDB studio is called Data Module. Its self-contained unit of data. It means it can be imported into any other CSDB studio

As the name indicates, it’s a complete list of data modules that are required to make a project or export a project.

It’s a unique code given for each data module. A 17 to 41 character alphanumeric code. No DMs will have the same name. Every DM is identified by its DMC.

From 2018, all Defense/Navy/Air force clients are asking for IETM along with other training Aids such as CBT, Video Film, Charts and Boards, and Technical literature Hardcopies.

Based on the complexity of your Machinery/System/Vehicle/Equipment, you will need to provide different types of manuals as deliverables. (User handbook, Design specifications, Technical manuals, and Illustrated spares parts list)

Manufacture recommended list of spares, DIM, SMT & STE, ISG, MS, PRS, Inventory, Deployment manuals, Combat manuals, Operating manuals, Maintenance manuals and many more as per your system. The count of all together may range from 5000 to 25,000 for big systems.

If the user has to refer for a topic, then she/he has to refer to all 10-15 manuals hard copies or soft copies (PDFs) separately. It’s a time taking and troublesome process and also not completely resourceful.

For example, if a user wants to search for some particular LRU (line replaceable unit) then he has to open each and every PDF and search for the LRU. He will get many results and it will be hard to refer to all the 16 PDFs at a time. Sometimes, he may have to refer to 2-4 manuals together for a solution. In this case, traditional PDF file or Hard copy will have many limitations.

To overcome the limitations, IETMs are designed.

IETM basically combines all these manuals and creates interactivity between all the manuals and drawings etc. That’s the reason it’s called Interactive Electronic Training Manual.

In IETM, all the manuals and drawings, images, and videos will interact with each other through hyperlinks, hot spots and cross references etc. Thus, searching for topics is made possible in a single click with 100% efficient result.

Ask your client whether they want IETM Level 3/Class 3 or Level 4/Class 4. And count how many pages of text they have.

Price varies based on the number of pages and the Level of IETM. Level 3/Class 3 is less expensive than Level 4/Class 4

Though the name reads Electronic Training Manual, it is not a single file or Manual. IETM is a software package.

A software where all the pages of manuals are converted and embedded in IETM framework or IETM software.

IETM is a software where all your manuals sit.

May it be IETM level -3/Class 3 or LEVEL -4/Class 4, we need all the manuals which are to be converted (either into PDF or Word format), all the images (JPEG, PNG, TIF) and all the CAD drawings converted in PDFs and Videos that are to be embedded into IETM.

We need table of content/content classification done by your subject matter experts.

We also need your subject matter expert’s help in connecting documents and also giving hyperlinks, related topics, glossary etc.

If you have any Videos or Images already made, then we will put exploded views in IETM. The IETM vendor’s responsibility is to embed all inputs provided by OEM into IETM frame work.

The IETM scope does not cover the designing of Charts, Blowups, Exploded Views, and Animations etc.

If you want exploded views, then that will be taken as content development activity.

It depends on the number of pages to be converted. We have done almost 35 IETMs of various levels. As per our experience to make Level 3/Class 3 IETM having 5000 pages, it takes around 30 days.

For documents 10,000 to 20,000 it takes around 60 days.

Major hindrance that we face is availability of final documents from OEM.

We had this experience several times that OEMs have to collect documents from many sources and number of versions are available for each document. OEMs usually focus on actual equipment but not on documentation of equipment. Collecting final approved files from OEM is the biggest challenge in IETM development. If all the final approved documents are in place, it takes standard time as mentioned above.

There is no specific standard for IETM ARMY. For Indian defense, there is a single standard used. May it be for ARMY IETM, NAVY IETM, or AIR FORCE IETM. The standard id JSG 0852.

You need to nominate a person as a Point of Contact from your end. Our technical team will be in constant touch with the POC to take approval on UI and UX (User interface and user experience), i.e. the logos to be used, color formats, table of content finalizing and cross checking of IETM etc.

Probably, your client must be looking for IETM level 3/Class 3. IETM level 3/Class 4 only can be played from CD/DVD player. IETM -4 requires installation as it used Database.

It depends on your client’s requirement. General practice is, IETM level 3/Class 3 is used when documents are less, i.e. below 5000. When documents are more, IETM -4 is required.

Having said that, we have also done 5000 Pages IETM Level 4/Class 4 or Level 5/Class 5 and 6000 pages Level 3/Class 3.

It completely depends on the Client. If your system is small, you can convince them to go for IETM level 3/Class 3

We are the only company having experience of delivering 30 + IETMs in past 5 years and one of the few companies having experience in developing the IETMs for Indian defense

We worked closely In associated with all the Defense Labs and we are fully aware of their requirements as almost 30 IETMs are being used by various Army or Naval, Air Force headquarters and training centers and Army Air Defense Colleges etc.

You can verify our Purchase Orders and approval letters.

IETM is the combination of software and data conversion. We have the strength of 50 + software and content development professionals and we guarantee delivery date as we have experienced resources having dealt with 30 project life cycles.

We have a strong R&D team, which exclusively works on improving software as per the latest technologies.

We have come across a few Tenders, especially 3-4 years back tenders, where the client has just mentioned IETM only. Did not mention whether it is Level 3 or Level -4.

Generally, the cost for Level 4 is almost double of cost of Level -3. Hence you can take decisions based on the size of systems i.e. number of pages etc.

If pages are below 1000, you can propose or deliver Level -3.

Very few clients ask for S1000D. The clients who have CSDB studio with them only need S1000D. In India, only 2 or 3 government organizations might have CSDB studios. CSDB studio is very costly, in crores.

All the IETMs should be developed as per JSG 0852: 2015, unless they mentioned specifically to develop in S1000D, which is the European aviation standard to develop IETMs.

IETMs, or Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals, are digital documents used across industries as user-friendly guides. They range from basic PDFs with hyperlinks for cross-referencing to advanced HTML pages with powerful search features and user-friendly interfaces. Code and Pixels offers a sample IETM showcasing these functionalities. Overall, IETMs streamline technical documentation and enhance user experience.

The IETM software simplifies technical documentation for the Indian Army by providing dynamic hyperlinking of manuals using a SQL database. It effectively maintains electronic devices such as systems and PDAs, and can easily handle vast numbers of pages. It complies with industry standards such as JSG - 0852:2001 by providing hierarchical structure, user administration, and content writing capabilities. Since 2013, Code and Pixels have successfully implemented this architecture for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, working with suppliers to provide software to a variety of defence departments.

Computer-Based Training (CBT) is a multimedia instructional delivery method used by India's military to teach different system components. It employs multimedia technologies such as graphics, animation, and video. The level and duration of CBT courses are set by the original equipment manufacturer.

To deliver effective military guidelines, computer-based training, or CBT, uses multimedia technology including graphics, animation, and interactive components.

Modules for computer-based training (CBT) combine interactive features and multimedia to provide customizable instructional settings that are suited to the training requirements of the military.

IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual) for Navy, Air Force, and Army. It is a digital technical documentation system used in defence for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of military equipment. Unlike traditional PDFs or paper manuals, IETMs are interactive, searchable, and structured for quick access to complex technical data.

ETMs are primarily used by defence organisations, government agencies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that supply complex systems and equipment.

EX: DRDO, BEL, Defence sectors, Aerospace, Manufacturing Industries.

DRDO uses Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) to manage complex defence systems efficiently. These digital manuals replace bulky documents, offering quick access to technical information, aiding development, maintenance, and training. IETMs are used across missile systems, radars, naval platforms, electronic warfare, armoured vehicles, aviation, and support systems. DRDO mandates Level 3/4 IETMs compliant with JSG 0852 Indian defence standard, featuring database and HTML5-based software

IETM Level 4 by Code and Pixels is an advanced digital manual system that stores content in a relational database, ensuring fast access and minimal redundancy. It supports multimedia, dynamic navigation, and hyperlinking and complies with JSG 0852 standards for defence-related technical documentation.

IETM can also be used as a centralised digital repository, i.e. manuals, images, drawings, videos, all the assets can be clubbed in a database so that user can easily access the content with 2 or 3 clicks.

IETM levels classify digital manuals based on interactivity:

• Level 1: Scanned pages or simple PDFs
• Level 2: PDFs with links and basic navigation
• Level 3: HTML/XML with structured navigation
• Level 4: Interactive content with multimedia
• Level 5: Fully integrated systems with diagnostics and real-time data. In practice, it does not exist as of this date. Adding more features and 3d does not become Level-5 .

Level 5 needs real-time data to be integrated into IETM software. Practically no real-time data can be pushed to 3rd party software.

All these levels are developed as per JSG 0852 indian defence standards.

JSS 0251 is a Joint Services Specification issued by the Indian Ministry of Defence. It standardizes the preparation and production of technical publications for electronic and electrical equipment supplied by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The specification ensures consistency and clarity in manuals, aiding operators and maintenance personnel, especially in critical situations.

JSS 0251 standardizes technical documentation for defence equipment, ensuring consistency across manuals from multiple OEMS. This uniformity aids operators and maintainers in easily navigating and understanding complex systems, even in critical situations. By adhering to JSS 0251, defence personnel can efficiently access essential information, enhancing operational readiness and safety.

IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual) software transforms traditional manuals into interactive digital formats.

It provides structured databases, making information easy to access and navigate.

Features include search functions, hyperlinks, multimedia integration, and role-based access, search, bookmark, zoom, pan, hyperlinks, hotspots ( text/Image/Video), Annotations (User/Admin), related contents, content tree, Module boxes, Manuals Tab, Drawings Tab, Videos Tab. Glossary tab, User dashboard that consists of user history ( browsing history, password change history, annotation and bookmark history and also search history )

It enhances usability and supports efficient maintenance, especially for complex systems.

Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) are crucial in the aerospace industry to manage complex technical documentation digitally. They enhance maintenance, operations, and training by replacing bulky paper manuals with interactive, searchable, and modular content. Follows S1000D for structure and SCORM for training, often delivered as Level 3 or Level 4 IETMS.

IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual) in the Navy refers to a digital version of traditional paper-based technical manuals used for maintaining, operating, and training on naval systems such as submarines, radars, weapons, and propulsion systems. It provides interactive content, quick search capabilities, fault isolation, and integrated training modules. IETMs are vital in shipboard environments due to their offline accessibility and are developed in compliance with standards like S1000D and JSG 0852, usually at Level 3 or Level 4, depending on the system complexity. S1000D is not mature enough in the Indian context, hence, many shipyards prefer JSG 0852 which is Indian defence standard

Technical documentation is a collection of detailed instructions, guides, and references that explain how a product or system functions. It helps users, technicians, and developers operate, maintain, or troubleshoot equipment or software. Common types include user manuals, installation guides, maintenance manuals, API docs, SOPs, and IETMs. The goal is to ensure correct usage, streamline operations, support training, and preserve system knowledge.

Technical documentation for the defense sector includes various materials essential for the development, operation, and maintenance of defense systems and equipment. Key types include:

S1000D: A standard for creating structured, reusable technical content.

IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals): Digital manuals with interactive elements to aid in system operation and maintenance.

CBT (Computer-Based Training): Training documentation that simulates defense system scenarios for efficient learning.

guidelines for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) when creating Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) for defense systems. Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Administrative Information: IETMs must include identification details (title, manual number, classification), revision status, distribution methods, and references to other documents or manuals.
• Introductory Information: The IETM should explain the purpose, scope, and organization, outlining the tasks it covers (e.g., troubleshooting, maintenance).
• Acronyms, Terms, and Abbreviations: A glossary of terms, acronyms, and abbreviations must be included and accessible in the IETM.
• Warnings, Cautions, and Notes: The IETM should provide safety warnings and precautions to prevent injury or equipment damage.
• Multiple Skill Level Tracks: Technical information should be available in different skill levels, such as novice and expert, with detailed instructions for beginners and checklists for experts.
• Comprehensibility: Information should be clear, concise, and consistent, with each sentence presenting a single idea. Complex tasks should include both text and graphics.
• Quality of Graphics: Graphics should be legible, with proper scaling and clear line widths. Schematic diagrams and flowcharts should support the text and be easy to understand.
• Item/System Hierarchy: The equipment should be broken down into subsystems and components, each containing descriptive, procedural, troubleshooting, and parts information.
• Parts Information: Parts data should include both maintenance details and supply information (e.g., part number, description, and maintenance codes).
• Version Control: Each IETM should have a clear version number (e.g., "Ver. 00" for initial release), with revisions identified incrementally.

S1000D helps standardise maintenance documentation, ensuring that technical manuals are up-to-date, modular, and accessible across platforms. It enables precise tracking of revisions and supports the integration of multimedia content for easier understanding of complex procedures.

S1000D supports XML-based content, which is easily adaptable for mobile platforms. Content can be optimized for small screens, and interactive features can be integrated to enhance user engagement and navigation.

S1000D’s modular approach works well for documenting software and embedded systems by breaking down content into reusable modules, ensuring efficient updates and version control, especially for systems with frequent updates.

S1000D provides robust version control mechanisms. Best practices include maintaining proper issue tracking, defining clear revision policies, and ensuring that each revision is well-documented and easily traceable for compliance and audit purposes.

S1000D is a European standard and jSG 0852 is Indian defence stadrad

S1000d uses XML and JSG uses sql database

Many OEMS and shipyards think that S1000d is the latest standard. But it is not. JSG is also been used since 1995 onwards.

If the shipyard does not have S1000D CSDB, then S1000D it is not at all any of use. It is just like html website.

The major drawback of S1000D is that Indian companies just develop the content in XML and sell it as S1000D.

S1000D has thousands of classes, and Indian S1000D companies do not use any, and they simply convert to XML and supply to OEMS and Shipyards.

Shipyards and OEMS also do not have knowledge about S1000D, hence they are accepting XML-based web pages as S1000D.

In fact, these local S1000DS do not support the original CSDB. Unfortunately, to check the Genuity of CSDB, even the NAVY or the Shipyards does not own the CSDB suite.

Very few companies like Code and Pixels use the original CSDB studio and develop S1000D. The subscription is very high as we need to purchase from European companies, hence the cost is also very high.

We recommended Indian standard IETM JSG 0852 instead of S1000D, which is costly and not available genuine S1000D. Why to spend a lot of money on a fake XML-based IETM and call it S1000D?

An Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) is a modern, digital form of a traditional technical manual, designed with interactive elements such as hyperlinks, advanced search options, and multimedia integration for easier access and understanding.

IETMs are usually delivered in HTML/XML, PDF, or specialized viewer formats with interactive navigation.

Read the table of contents/index, follow step-by-step instructions, and use diagrams and troubleshooting guides to understand procedures.

Quality Assurance manual testing.

AITS (Authoring and Integration Tool Set) is used by the Indian Navy to create and manage IETMs.

Army technical manuals can be accessed through the Army Publishing Directorate (APD) website or authorized portals.

TM stands for Technical Manual, which provides instructions for operating, maintaining, and repairing military equipment.

It’s a detailed guide containing maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting instructions for equipment or systems.

TSM (Technical Service Manual) in aviation provides aircraft maintenance and servicing procedures.

It’s a structured document that explains the specifications, functions, and operating instructions of a product or system.

It’s a classification system that organizes technical services like installation, maintenance, and support into categories.

T1 usually refers to a type of technical manual or testing level, depending on context.

ETM refers to an Electronic Technical Manual, which is a static digital copy of a manual.

IETM, on the other hand, stands for Interactive Electronic Technical Manual, offering interactive features like hyperlinks, multimedia elements, and advanced search functions.

Level 4 IETM is a database-driven, highly interactive system with dynamic linking, advanced search, and multimedia.

ETB = Electronic Technical Bulletin (short updates/notices).

ETM = Electronic Technical Manual (complete digital manual).

Define your audience, structure with TOC, step-by-step instructions, visuals, troubleshooting tips, and use clear language.

Entry and Exit Test Metrics or Electronic Test Management (context-dependent).

Through official Army networks, secure portals, or APD (restricted access).

It’s a digital, interactive version of a technical manual with hyperlinks, multimedia, and search functionality.

Electronic Technical Manual in engineering context.

A technical manual is a detailed document that provides instructions on the operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment or systems.

The main types are:

• User Manual – for end-users.
• Service/Maintenance Manual – for technicians.
• Technical/Reference Manual – for in-depth specifications.

User Manual: Written in simple language for everyday users.

Technical Manual: More detailed, meant for engineers/technicians with technical procedures.

Examples: Car owner’s manual, Army technical manual, Appliance instruction manual.

“Manual” does not have a full form; it comes from the Latin manuālis meaning "of the hand".

A digital manual is an electronic version of a manual, available as PDF, HTML, or IETM, often with interactive features.

A manual bookkeeping system where accounts are written by hand in ledgers.

It’s a procedure performed by hand without automation, e.g., manual data entry or manual testing.

The purpose of a manual is to guide users on how to operate, maintain, or repair a product/system safely and effectively.

Manual activity refers to tasks performed by hand, such as typing, assembling, or operating equipment manually.

CMM manual refers to a Coordinate Measuring Machine manual, which provides instructions on using precision measurement equipment.

It’s a non-automated task in technology, such as manually configuring settings, updating logs, or conducting manual tests.