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This article describes the end-to-end process of the IETM development and distribution.
By the end of reading this article, you will know about
How to start an IETM project?
Detailed steps for developing IETM
What is the authoring tool
What is IETM Viewer
Understanding about IETM
By this time, you may be familiar with what is IETM. If not please refer to the links mentioned here, before reading this article.
Outline of IETM
IETM for beginners
What is IETM and What is Not IETM?
We strongly recommend you go through the above 3 links (5 minutes of reading time) before reading the below content)
I will start with an example so that you will understand how IETMs are developed.
Let us assume, you have to send an electrical wiring diagram to your client, what do you do?
First, you open Auto Cad, design it, and save it as .dwg file , which is a source file. You won’t share the source file, because the recipient might update or edit the file or the recipient might not have AUTO cad software to open.
Hence you convert that drawing to PDF and share it with them so that they can view the drawing but not edit it.
In another scenario, assume that you want your recipient to edit the file. So, you share them .dwg but your client can not edit it, as they might not have Auto cad software installed on their PC. To edit the drawing, they need Auto cad which is called an authoring tool.
To create cad drawings, you need tools like auto cad etc. Similarly, to create an IETM you need an authoring tool.
The authoring tool is a piece of software which is used to build or develop IETMs. Using this software we develop IETMs
What else can I help you with?
What Inputs Are Required to Make Ietm Levels?
To make IETM we need Inputs in the form of documents and a little guidance from Subject matter experts is needed from the OEM. IETM means Interactive electronic technical manuals. To make the IETM, we need all the manuals which are in electronic format. It means soft copies i.e. DOC files or PDF files of all the manuals finalized and reviewed by the relevant approval authority i.e. DGQC, MAG etc and all the Drawings, Images and Videos if you have any. Manuals Drawings Images / Videos We design, develop, and deploy Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM) in compliance with both Indian defense standards (JSG 0852) and European Aviation Standard IETM S1000D. We offer our IETMs at every IETM Levels: IETM Level 1 and IETM Level 2 are PDF files. IETM Level 3, IETM Level 4 and IETM Level 5 Our IETM framework is created with open-source technologies, so there are no recurring license fees. It works with all popular browsers and devices and supports multiple operating systems (Windows and Linux).
How is an IETM different from scanned manual?
An IETM is searchable, cross-linked, role based and interactive, allowing users to quickly locate procedures, parts, or faults. IETM Level 1 and 2 are PDF files. IETM Levels 3 and 4 are not any document like MS Word or PDF file. IETM is a combination of Software and database. All the manuals are converted to SQL database. Using IETM Viewer, the user can access the data i.e. manuals, drawings, images, etc. IETM has 3 modes. User mode where users can access the documents. Admin mode where Admin can create users and track the activities of users. Super admin or Authoring tool, where all the manuals are converted to database using this authoring tool.
How is an IETM different from a PDF or scanned manual?
PDFs are static and linear. An IETM is searchable, cross-linked, role based and interactive, allowing users to quickly locate procedures, parts, or faults. IETM Level 1 and 2 are PDF files. IETM Levels 3 and 4 are not any document like MS Word or PDF file. IETM is a combination of Software and database. All the manuals are converted to SQL database. Using IETM Viewer, the user can access the data i.e. manuals, drawings, images, etc. IETM has 3 modes. User mode where users can access the documents. Admin mode where Admin can create users and track the activities of users. Super admin or Authoring tool, where all the manuals are converted to database using this authoring tool. 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.
Quantum TechDocs - IETM Enterprise edition?
AI-Enabled Next-Generation IETM Publishing Platform Compliant with JSG 0852 Indian Defence Standard This Designed for IETM documentation of shipyards and large integrated Defence systems) In this IETM has Artificial Intelligence option enabled. This option needs very high-end server Hence we only recommend this to shipyards or IETMs of bigger systems having more than 10,000 pages
What time between the arrival of p and s waves?
lga ietm
What an IETM Is Meant to Be?
A professionally designed IETM is: A digital library A training aid A technical assistant A decision support tool In the field or during equipment malfunction, a soldier shouldn’t need to search through physical manuals or navigate complex CBT modules. A well-structured IETM should allow the user to: Search any term instantly across the database AND attached PDFs Access procedures, troubleshooting paths, drawings, videos, and checklists in one click Make faster, confident decisions under pressure When executed right, an IETM becomes a powerful operational asset.
Difference between IETM and IETP?
IETM - An interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) is a Technical Manual (eg. Maintenance, user, training, operations, etc.) prepared or authored in Digital forum on a suitable medium, by means of an automated authoring system, designed for electronic screen display to an end-user. IETP - An IETP is built on the outlined functionality that is described in S1000D Matrix. This specification was initially developed by the Aero Space and defence industries association of Europe (ASD). S1000D Jointly Produced by the following Organisations, their members and customers.
Which standard should I use in IETM?
Indian defence projects: JSG-0852. Most shipyards and Army Vehicles and Navy are asking for Indian defence standard only. S1000D is European aviation standard. As of now in India, only HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited only asked for S1000D. Why they have specifically need S1000D is unknown. IETMs are available in 2 standards INDIAN Defense Standard (JSG 0852:2001) European Aviation standard (S1000D) INDIAN STANDARD Government of India, Ministry of defense has framed few standards, Joint service Guide 0852:2001 and reframed in 2007. European Aviation standard It is called S1000D, mainly used in the Aviation industry If the RFQ or tender documents say it is IETM means, it's Indian standard only. If the end-user wants S1000D, then specifically “S1000D IETM LEVEL -4” is mentioned. What is the difference in both the standard? Ultimately the purpose of both the standard is the same, easy accessibility to all the documents and key points in few clicks. Indian Standard uses SQL Database and IETM Viewer to see the database. IETM Viewer has tools to navigate faster and most effectively. IETM does not need any third-party software to run. OEM can edit using the authoring tool which is available in IETM software. S1000d is very costly than the Indian standard. Indian Standard is SQL based and HTML based and s1000d is XML based Few companies convert Documents to XML and call them S1000D. Simple XML is not an S1000D IETM. If the end-user /navy/shipowner does not have a CSDB studio then all these IETMs cannot be imported and made a single master IETM. CSDB studio is very costly software and is mainly supplied by western counties. Indian version CSDBs is not compatible with original S1000d importing.
Quantum TechDocs IETM suite for Shipbuilding and Complex Missile systems?
IETM Is Not Just a Software - It’s a User Experience Not just IETM development - 15+ years of IETM experience delivered. Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) are often misunderstood. Many still treat them as nothing more than a digital database of manuals or a tick-box item in the project deliverables list. But the true purpose of an IETM goes far beyond that. With 100+ IETM deliveries across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, we’ve learned one thing very clearly: IETM is not a document. It is a training and operational support ecosystem. And its real value is realized only when it is designed from the user’s perspective. The Reality Today In many defence projects, the IETM ends up as: A DVD handed over at stores A line item marked as “Delivered” A file that rarely gets used in real-time scenarios Unfortunately, this means the actual potential of IETM remains untapped. What an IETM Is Meant to Be A professionally designed IETM is: A digital library A training aid A technical assistant A decision support tool In the field or during equipment malfunction, a soldier shouldn’t need to search through physical manuals or navigate complex CBT modules. A well-structured IETM should allow the user to: Search any term instantly across the database AND attached PDFs Access procedures, troubleshooting paths, drawings, videos, and checklists in one click Make faster, confident decisions under pressure When executed right, an IETM becomes a powerful operational asset. Quantum TechDocs - Shipbuilding Case Study - A Practical Example: Shipbuilding Shipbuilding involves thousands of interconnected systems hull structure, propulsion, power distribution, navigation, communication, weapon systems, HVAC, hydraulics, auxiliary machinery, and safety equipment. Managing and maintaining such a massive platform with conventional manuals becomes inefficient, error-prone, and difficult to update. Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) solve this challenge by providing a unified, searchable, digital knowledge system that supports shipyards, crew, maintainers, and lifecycle management teams throughout the vessel’s lifespan. A warship is never the product of a single OEM it is an integrated platform built from numerous independent systems and subsystems. Typically, a single vessel may involve: 120+ OEMs 200+ equipment and subsystem elements 1,000+ technical manuals and supporting documents Converting only a handful of major manuals, as is often practiced, does not achieve the intended goals of standardization or maintainability. In reality, faults and failures can occur in any system major or minor making comprehensive documentation essential for effective onboard maintenance, troubleshooting, and readiness. If the IETM cannot support the user for all components, its usefulness is incomplete. To solve this, Code and Pixels developed a structured, scalable IETM framework specifically for shipyards enabling: Single-click access Organized documentation of all equipment Uniform structure and easy navigation across 200+ systems User friendly Graphic user interface Simple and easy to use and update and manage AI integrated for additional support One vessel. Hundreds of systems. One IETM- Quantum TechDocs Quantum TechDocs - Missile Systems Case Study - Missile System Projects - Even More Complex Missiles comprise multiple subsystems guidance, propulsion, firing circuits, electronics, communication modules, warhead integration, and launch handling equipment. Maintenance and troubleshooting of these components require real-time guidance, historical records, compliance documents. IETMs enable: Faster troubleshooting and repair Standardisation of maintenance practices Platform-friendly digital documentation Reduced training time and dependency on physical manuals In a single missile program, it is common to receive 1,000+ manuals and technical PDF documents, over 50,000 pages of content, along with thousands of drawings, multimedia files, test reports, and reference documents from multiple OEMs and stakeholders. Consolidating these diverse formats, standardizing them, converting them into a structured digital database, and presenting them in a user-friendly interactive format is a complex, time-intensive, and costly process. To address this challenge, Code and Pixels has developed an innovative and efficient solution that simplifies integration, accelerates implementation, and significantly reduces effort, cost, and turnaround time. One missile. Dozens of OEMs. Thousands of documents. One unified system - IETM. Why Experience Matters IETM delivery is not a one-time software handover. We deliver 15 years of learning and insights from executing more than 100 defence IETM projects.
The Ultimate IETM Q&A Guide: Standards, Levels, and Implementation?
This blog provides a clear, practical introduction to Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) explaining what they are, how they differ from traditional manuals, and why they have become essential in defence, aerospace, shipbuilding, and complex engineering programs. It addresses the most frequently asked questions around IETM standards, functionality, architecture, security, conversion of legacy documents, and real-world implementation challenges. Designed for OEMs, system integrators, and decision makers, the blog helps readers understand how a well-designed IETM improves maintenance efficiency, training effectiveness, while ensuring compliance with modern defence and industry standards. IETM – Complete Q&A Basics / Definitions What does IETM stand for? IETM stands for Interactive Electronic Technical Manual. What is an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM)? An IETM is a software-based, database driven technical documentation system that allows users to interactively access procedures, drawings, parts data, troubleshooting steps, and multimedia instead of reading static manuals. How is an IETM different from a PDF or scanned manual? PDFs are static and linear. An IETM is searchable, cross-linked, role based and interactive, allowing users to quickly locate procedures, parts, or faults. What are the “levels” of IETM (Level 1–4)? Levels historically indicated increasing functionality from scanned manuals (Level 1) to fully interactive, database driven systems (Level 4). What is an IETM functionality matrix? A functionality matrix replaces level based definitions and clearly specifies required features such as search, interactivity, multimedia, diagnostics, and integration. The Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) is a modern alternative to printed user manuals, training manuals, and operation and maintenance manuals used in the defense and aviation sectors. It provides an interactive and electronic medium that improves technical support, usability, and accessibility of complex systems. Standards & Compliance What standards govern IETMs? Common standards include JSG-0852 (Indian Defence) and S1000D (European Standard and discouraged in Indian defence context) Is S1000D a need in Indian Context No. S1000D is a European standard and most shipyards are not asking for S1000D. Recent Tender related to Goa Shipyard and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has requested Quotations for IETM Indian standard only, as S1000D standard does not provide any usage as they want standalone IETMs. What does JSG-0852 specify? It defines functional, security, performance, and usability requirements for defence IETMs in India. Which standard should I use? Indian defence projects: JSG-0852. Most shipyards and Army Vehicles and Navy are asking for Indian defence standard only. S1000D is European aviation standard. As of now in India, only HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited only asked for S1000D. Why they have specifically need S1000D is unknown. How are IETMs mentioned in tenders? Usually via Functionality Matrix, compliance clauses, and acceptance criteria, not just “IETM Level”. Implementation & Architecture Is an IETM web or desktop-based? Modern IETMs are web based, but can run offline on secure local systems. What are the main components of an IETM? Authoring module Admin Module Viewer / player How is content structured? Content is stored as modular topics (procedures, descriptions, faults, parts), not pages. What file types can be used? Text, images, vector drawings, PDFs, videos, animations, 3D models. How are legacy manuals migrated? By data extraction, structuring, tagging, and linking into a database.
How does the Viewer Module improve user experience?
Viewer Module: It is IETM viewer. IETM viewer is a software where user can log in in tothe Viewer software and access various documents and features to use IETM . The IETM covers the following contents: - Technical Information Operating Instructions Maintenance Instructions Troubleshooting Guide Exploitation Limitations Parts Information Others if any i.e. ISPL etc as specified during the project execution Characteristics. The IETM is prepared in a digital form on a suitable media with the aid of an automated authoring system, and designed for electronic screen display to an end user. It should possess following main characteristics:- Electronic The manuals are designed and formatted to present information on an electronic screen. The information is not ‘Page Oriented’, but it is styled to fill the frame. Interactive The display system presents the information interactively based on the user selection/ input. The dynamic presentation of information adjusts to current display settings. Navigable/ Interrelated The topics and elements of data within the manual are inter-related, allowing the user to access all information through various paths. The user is able to find information quickly and easily.
Which standard should I use in Defence Sectors?
Indian defence projects: JSG-0852. Most shipyards and Army Vehicles and Navy are asking for Indian defence standard only. S1000D is European aviation standard. As of now in India, only HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited only asked for S1000D. Why they have specifically need S1000D is unknown. IETMs are available in 2 standards INDIAN Defense Standard (JSG 0852:2001) European Aviation standard (S1000D) INDIAN STANDARD Government of India, Ministry of defense has framed few standards, Joint service Guide 0852:2001 and reframed in 2007. European Aviation standard It is called S1000D, mainly used in the Aviation industry If the RFQ or tender documents say it is IETM means, it's Indian standard only. If the end-user wants S1000D, then specifically “S1000D IETM LEVEL -4” is mentioned. What is the difference in both the standard? Ultimately the purpose of both the standard is the same, easy accessibility to all the documents and key points in few clicks. Indian Standard uses SQL Database and IETM Viewer to see the database. IETM Viewer has tools to navigate faster and most effectively. IETM does not need any third-party software to run. OEM can edit using the authoring tool which is available in IETM software. S1000d is very costly than the Indian standard. Indian Standard is SQL based and HTML based and s1000d is XML based Few companies convert Documents to XML and call them S1000D. Simple XML is not an S1000D IETM. If the end-user /navy/shipowner does not have a CSDB studio then all these IETMs cannot be imported and made a single master IETM. CSDB studio is very costly software and is mainly supplied by western counties. Indian version CSDBs is not compatible with original S1000d importing.
