What is ISO 55286:2018 ?

Title: What is ISO 55286:2018 and Its Importance for Technical Documentation?

Introduction:

ISO 55286:2018 is an essential international standard that outlines best practices for the management and maintenance of technical documentation within organizations. Adhering to this standard can help companies ensure the consistency, accuracy, and accessibility of their technical documentation, thereby enhancing communication and efficiency in various industries. ISO 55286:2018 provides a framework for the creation, organization, and revision of technical documents and emphasizes the importance of clear language, logical structure, and standardized terminology to facilitate understanding and reduce the risk of errors or misinterpretations.

Purpose of ISO 55286:2018:

ISO 55286:2018 aims to enhance the usability and comprehensibility of technical documents by establishing standardized practices. The purpose of this standard is to streamline the presentation of technical information, enabling readers to quickly locate and understand the relevant content. By adhering to ISO 55286:2018, technical writers can create documents that are consistent, logically structured, and visually appealing.

Key Components of ISO 55286:2018:

ISO 55286:2018 provides guidelines for creating professional and effective technical documents. The standard consists of several key components, including:

1. Clear and concise language:

ISO 55286:2018 emphasizes the importance of using clear and concise language to convey technical information. Technical writers should avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may confuse readers. Instead, they should use simple and straightforward language that is easy to understand.

2. Logical structure:

ISO 55286:2018 recommends organizing technical documents in a logical and easy-to-follow manner. The standard provides guidelines for the use of headings, subheadings, and other formatting tools to improve the clarity and structure of technical documents.

3. Standardized terminology:

ISO 55286:2018 emphasizes the importance of using standardized terminology to avoid confusion and ensure consistency across technical documents. The standard provides a glossary of key terms and definitions that should be used consistently throughout technical documents.

4. Appropriate formatting:

ISO 55286:2018 specifies the appropriate formatting for different types of technical documents, including the use of tables, charts, and images. The standard also recommends using non-proprietary formatting tools and encourages against using overly complex formatting that may add to the complexity of technical documents.

Conclusion:

ISO 55286:2018 is an essential international standard that can help companies improve the usability and comprehensibility of their technical documentation. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in ISO 55286:2018, technical writers can create consistent, logically structured, and visually appealing documents that enhance communication and efficiency within various industries. By implementing these guidelines, companies can ensure that their technical documentation is accurate, accessible, and effective in facilitating clear and concise communication between manufacturers, suppliers, and users of technical information..