The Ultimate IETM Q&A Guide: Standards, Levels, and Implementation?

Answer 1

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

1. Basics / Definitions

   1. What does IETM stand for?

IETM stands for Interactive Electronic Technical Manual.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

2. Standards & Compliance

   6. What standards govern IETMs?

Common standards include JSG-0852 (Indian Defence) and S1000D (European Standard and discouraged in Indian defence context)

7. 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.

8. What does JSG-0852 specify?

It defines functional, security, performance, and usability requirements for defence IETMs in India.

9. 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.

10. How are IETMs mentioned in tenders?

Usually via Functionality Matrix, compliance clauses, and acceptance criteria, not just “IETM Level”.

3. Implementation & Architecture

4. Is an IETM web or desktop-based?

Modern IETMs are web based, but can run offline on secure local systems.

12. What are the main components of an IETM?

Authoring module

Admin Module

Viewer / player

13. How is content structured?

Content is stored as modular topics (procedures, descriptions, faults, parts), not pages.

14. What file types can be used?

Text, images, vector drawings, PDFs, videos, animations, 3D models.

15. How are legacy manuals migrated?

By data extraction, structuring, tagging, and linking into a database.