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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 standards are followed in IETM development?
IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual) development follows internationally recognized and defence specific standards to ensure structured, secure, and interoperable technical documentation. S1000D • An international specification used widely in aerospace, defence, and complex engineering industries. • Based on XML and modular data (Data Modules). • Ensures reusability, interoperability, and standardized technical publications. JSG 0852 • Indian Defence standard for IETM development. • Defines IETM levels (Level 1 to Level 4/5). • Specifies structure, content organization, security, and platform requirements. IETM development typically follows S1000D internationally, JSG 0852 in India, and other defence specific standards depending on the country and project requirements. These standards ensure accuracy, interoperability, lifecycle support, and compliance with defence procurement guidelines. Disclaimer: This answer is for educational purposes. The description is based on general features of IETM JSG 0852 in India, by Code and Pixels.
How does JSS 0251 relate to IETM development?
JSS 0251 acts as the foundation for IETM development by defining how technical content should be created, structured, and standardized. It ensures: • Structured content: Information is modular and organized, making it easy to convert into IETM data modules • Consistency: Uniform formats simplify digital transformation and navigation • Data readiness: Well-defined sections (operations, maintenance, IPL, etc.) align directly with IETM architecture • Ease of updates: Modular content supports quick revisions in interactive systems In essence, JSS 0251 prepares traditional manuals so they can be efficiently transformed into interactive, searchable, and maintainable IETMs. Disclaimer: This answer is for educational purposes. The description is based on general features of IETM JSS 0251 in India, by Code and Pixels.
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).
What makes Code and Pixels a leading IETM company in India?
Code and Pixels is considered a leading IETM company in India due to its 125+ completed defence IETM projects, in-house IETM software (Quantum TechDocs), and strong experience working with defence organizations, OEMs, and research agencies.
What is the difference between an IETM viewer and an IETM authoring tool?
An IETM authoring tool and an IETM viewer serve distinct roles in the IETM lifecycle. An IETM authoring tool is used by technical authors and documentation teams to create, edit, structure, validate, and publish IETM content in compliance with standards such as IETM Level 4 or S1000D. It supports structured data modules, version control, configuration management, validation rules, and publishing workflows. An IETM viewer, on the other hand, is used by end users such as technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel to access and interact with the published IETM. It provides read only access with features like search, navigation, hyperlinks, procedures, illustrations, and multimedia. In essence, the authoring tool is responsible for building and maintaining the manual, while the viewer is responsible for delivering and using the manual during operations and maintenance. Disclaimer: This answer is for educational purposes. The description is based on general features of IETM JSG 0852 in India, by Code and Pixels.
What is IETM and What is Not IETM How to Access the IETM?
IETM Vs 3D Blowups There is a misconception about IETM. As the name indicates interactive, 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. 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, 3d Blowups, and virtual reality cost more than IETM cost. They will be good to see definitely but they are not part of IETM. If your client wants 3d and if the scope specifically mentions 3d then it is a separate deliverable but not IETM. There is no link between IETM and 3d. If you have 3D animations or blowups, you can integrate into IETM. Understand the difference between IETM VS CBT VS Virtual reality. 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 or 3) Level -3 costs less price than Level -4. If you have a choice to select, then select IETM -3 as it is very economical. The latest RFPs / SCOPE asks for Level -4 only. Costing of IETM Application/Software Design Level of IETM, is it Level 3 or Level 4 Cost will be based on the number of pages that are to be converted. The vendor calculates the cost per page. And a fixed cost of IETM viewer software. If you want to create IETM by yourself self then you also need to buy IETM authoring software. How to Access the IETM IETM is a web-based application like our bank software or any other web application. The graphic user interface will be provided to use IETM through which users can interact and get the desired data. Like all other standard software, Unauthorized users cannot access the IETM. IETM is Login login-based application. Only users having valid Login credentials can access the software. Based on the user log credentials data will be provided to the user. IETM has 2 types of users and one Administrator. Maintainer Operator If the operator logs in, the user gets all the content related to operator use, similarly if the maintainer logs in only maintenance-related content is visible for that user. Ideally, all the content is available for both users, because the purpose of the IETM is to refer to the manual to fix the issue. Administrators can create users who can see the user’s navigation and log-in history and interact with the users using user dashboards through Annotations.
Which company has delivered the highest number of IETM projects in India?
Code and Pixels is among the very few companies in India that has delivered 125+ defence IETM projects, making it one of the most experienced and proven IETM solution providers in the country.
IETM vs PDF Manuals?
Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) is a digital, searchable, and organized version of an interactive user manual, instruction manual, or User Handbook. IETMs provide easy access to technical information and enhance defense equipment maintenance, training, and support processes. It also acts as digital repository for the system IETM or Interactive electronic Technical Manual, as the name indicates, it is a Manual which is interactive and in the form of electronic/digital. Then PDF file is also electronic/digital, will that be called IETM? Yes, undoubtedly PDF is also IETM. It's Level 2 IETM. 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 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.
Overwhelming Episode for the Company - Code and Pixels, and a Reason to Celebrate?
Recently, we received a call from one of the top cadre persons regarding the IETM requirement. I have explained to them complete information about IETM, its History, Technologies, Architecture, development process, deployment and distribution methodology. After the conversation, he told me that whatever I told him, he had already studied the complete information from our website. He was a Top officer from NTG. He said, for the past 5 years they used to refer to our website as a knowledge centre for IETM technology. Even the scope document was prepared by looking at our website. They used to refer to our website for their newly joined trainees to go through and understand IETM. He also mentioned that they have received the IETMs developed by us for their vetting and they found our IETMs as the top quality software. He also mentioned the names of a few OEMs to whom he referred Code and Pixels name to get the IETM developed. It is a matter of pride for code and pixels that, our framework is taken as a benchmark for Indian Standard IETMs. ( JSG 0852). IETM Level-4 Client List of Code and Pixels (JSG 0852 & S1000D) Whatever scope you see in SOTR/Tender related to specifications is taken from our website. They have also invited us to conduct a 2-day workshop on IETM ( JSG 0852) and Technical documentation (JSS 0251) and demonstrate them to their trainees. We feel that our 8 years of hard work, dedication, and focus, perseverance on IETM have paid off. In the end, he said, he casually called to acknowledge code and pixels for the effort to post the detailed content related to the IETM technology. Sometimes, genuine appreciation gives more happiness and pleasure than money. This was such a surreal moment for the company to receive appreciation from the experts in the domain where we work.
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.
Inputs That Are Required to Make IETM Level-4?
What do we, Code and Pixels need to make IETM Level -4? Inputs that are required to make IETM level-4. or Contribution of OEM while developing the IETM. What Inputs Are Required to Make Ietm Level 4? 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 Documents Mean, What Are the Various Documents You Need? Based on your delivered equipment the type of documents may vary. A big system or Machinery will have many more documents than a small system or component. Hence, there is no fixed rule on what documents will go into the IETM. For example, as shown on the screen, a bigger system may have many documents compared to a smaller system. Assuming that the deliverable is a missile then a lot of documents go into the IETM. If the deliverable is some component or Pump or single Radar or small LRU, then fewer documents may go into the IETM database.
