Title: Deployment of electronic multimedia technical documentation solutions: a longitudinal study in partnership with a defence contractor

Authors: D. McArthur; J.S. Lynn; R. Thomson

Addresses: School of Engineering and Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK ' School of Engineering and Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK ' Thales Optronics, 1 Linthouse Road, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Abstract: This paper details the research relationship and activity between the university and a commercial client working within the defence industry over a ten-year period. The investigative core deals with the contractor's requirement to address the paper to electronic conversion of technical documentation and maintenance procedures, and the financial requirements of reducing ongoing customer support cost, whilst providing a competitive advantage. From initial projects involving optical media/laptop computer multimedia applications, to the use and deployment of smart phone and PDA devices, and more recently the use of wearable computing systems/head mounted display/augmented reality assistance, the research study has tracked technological changes over the period, and the impact of the same on working practice. An additional factor common to many engineering industries is the capture and retention of acquired knowledge of an ageing workforce, directly connected to the cost of customer support.

Keywords: technical publications; electronic documentation; electronic conversion; document conversion; remote maintenance; defence contractors; digital technologies; electronic multimedia; technical documentation; university-industry cooperation; industrial collaboration; maintenance procedures; smartphones; PDAs; wearable computers; head mounted displays; augmented reality; technological changes; defence industry; knowledge capture; knowledge retention; ageing workforce; customer support.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEAM.2013.056326

International Journal of Strategic Engineering Asset Management, 2013 Vol.1 No.3, pp.276 - 288

Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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