Even though one might not expect IETM/IETP technologies to evolve as rapidly in aviation as compared to other industries, next-generation fleets will inevitably lead to the mass production of next-generation interactive technical content. With the incoming adoption of structured specifications like S1000D, technologies have been constantly on the move to accommodate the utilization of this modular standard.
Modular adoption
Although the S1000D specification was created decades ago, adoption has been slower than anticipated due to the high barriers to entry and cost vs opportunity-related factors. Conversion from legacy data to S1000D is rarely undertaken since the associated costs are often too great. However, 2022 and the next few years may mark the period for mass adoption of this standard across the supply chain, as all major commercial aviation customers(i.e. Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier) have or will require all vendors to be fully S1000D compliant. The newest generation of fleets will be accompanied by possibly one hundred percent S1000D data across all of its parts.
This modular adoption is anticipated to be the important catalyst igniting the long idle IETP software and solution development market. Developers have more opportunities to provide features catering to the highly flexible modular structure of this next-generation standard. More competition and choices may present the customers with more lucrative price offers unlike before.
More (and better) tools
As it no longer makes economic sense to author content in legacy formats, there have been growing numbers of selections in XML-based authoring platforms with rich component content management system (CCSM) features as well as multi-channel publishing. These tools are often designed for user-friendliness to assist the process of authoring IETM/IETP in mark-up languages, making it more seamless and approachable for the content writers. Data validation functionalities for BREX and ASD-STE100© (Simplified Technical English) are also widely available as advanced user extensions.
More organizations might now opt to have the content produced in-house instead of outsourcing this rather expensive process, which also may allow better quality and integrity control.
While technical authoring technology is a competitive, lucrative market populated with ever-evolving tools and solutions, the technologies to help use/view the authored data are equally as important, albeit often overlooked. Beginning with the writing tool, technical data can only fulfill its intended purpose after reaching the viewer front-end through a series of highly-intensive data building and validation.
For example, the NIVOMAX platform focuses on turning IETM / IETP and OEM-provided data into meaningful content to be displayed to end-users via the NIVOMAX Viewer. Engineered to be flexible, this suite of applications can be configured to integrate seamlessly with any existing authoring tools and mission-critical systems. A customer may continue utilizing their existing authoring and other tools while adopting NIVOMAX, without having to purchase an entirely new software and vice versa.
Technical expertise requirements
Software development and implementation for a niche are far from easy tasks while every passing year adds a layer of complexity to the technology it is composed of. The next-generation S1000D is an evolving standard that is significantly more than just XML. Deep knowledge of the S1000D standard and its components is a must to tackle any S1000D-related project, including the development and installation of S1000D tools.
Even though one can expect future growth of S1000D subject matter experts, it may not be at the same rate as the adoption of this increasingly popular standard. When considering implementing S1000D technologies, it may be important to realize the investment needed to outsource and work with the limited numbers of S1000D experts may not see a significant decrease any time soon.
However, S1000D experts and software developers such as SYNAXIOM can offer fixed prices on the viewer centralized NIVOMAX Suite (including its deployment). Utilizing the versatile Synaxiom360-F framework, SYNAXIOM can deploy the product agilely to the end-users while adhering to a firm, agreed-upon set of mission-critical requirements from the organization. The result is a highly cost effective implementation that can satisfy both the buyers and the buyer’s customers (in scenarios where a 3-tier deployment exists).
2-D Illustration Quality: CGM vs SVG
For decades, Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) has been a difficult vector graphic format to work with due to the lack of modern support (for its relative “legacy” status and virtually zero applications outside of the technical domain).
However, the web-friendly, dynamic Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) can also support CGM-related intelligent graphics (e.g hotspot metadata). For example, the NIVOMAX Viewer can display CGM as SVG for the web, while robustly retaining one hundred percent of the CGM functionalities.
Also, in theory, one may author a high-quality SVG using a modern graphic arts tool, convert it to CGM and then add CGM features. Even though it is not currently a seamless task, as SVG is becoming the “unofficial” alternative format for the display of aviation technical graphics, there will be more XML support to help code CGM functionalities directly into the SVG architecture.
Disruptive Technologies
Although one can foresee many futuristic applications for aviation technical authoring, the reality is aviation has proven to be naturally very resilient to disruptive technologies. More often than not, it is the demand for how content is used may affect the authoring process.
Having said that, Augmented Reality (AR) is considered one of the most potential candidates for aviation technical applications since it can help display 3-D illustrations with next-level interactivity and details in a real-world environment. This is likely because AR is a rapidly evolving feature on Apple devices like the iPad – a popular device used to display technical manuals and publications, meaning this particular technology can find some applications in the rendering of aviation graphic content soon.
The adoption of AR also suggests there will possibly be a universal recommended standard for 3-D graphics, prompting aviation technical content solution developers to start looking more into the futuristic incorporation of AR technologies for viewing highly detailed graphics.
Soon, all organizations and end-users will need to consider implementing progressive, modern tools that can facilitate the management of both legacy and next-generation technical content. To maximize the return on investment, it is highly advisable to employ powerful, flexible digital solutions that may accommodate the ever-evolving architecture of the next-generation S1000D, as well as any upcoming disruptive technologies.
About SYNAXIOM
SYNAXIOM is a leading expert in developing robust, extensible, and cost-effective enterprise solutions including NIVOMAX – the user-centric software suite for next-generation S1000D and legacy ATA compliant IETM & IETP.
Trusted by the aviation industry including one of three aircraft manufacturers globally, NIVOMAX gives a significant contribution to ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of the technical content delivery process for thousands of individual users and mission-critical business units in the aerospace industry.
Have questions? Let SYNAXIOM hear you – we can help you address any concerns regarding the display technology of interactive electronic technical publications, other related components, and their deployment specific to your requirements and mission-critical systems.