How to Create and Deliver Intelligent Information

What Does the New Standard IEC/IEEE 82079 Tell Us about Intelligent Information?

Data, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things are terms often heard when we speak about intelligent information.

Last May, the IEC/EEE 82079-1:2019 standard for the “Preparation of Information for Use” was published.

What does this golden grail of developing information tell us about intelligent information? Have all the above-mentioned buzzwords been taken into account?

For this article, I researched the 82079 standard to find out if, and how, intelligent information has been adapted.

What Is Intelligent Information Again?

When we check the definition page of this blog, we find a few things on intelligent information.

For example, information is called “intelligent” when:

  • There is a strategic approach to developing and managing content as a business asset.
  • Content processes, people, and technology are used efficiently.
  • The content efforts being made are scalable.
  • Content is designed for automation and includes content components that can be mixed and matched assembly-line style.
  • The content is appropriately structured for retrieval and reuse.
  • The content is personalized in ways that deliver value for customers and potential customers (the right content is delivered to the right person at the right time, regardless of device).

Besides that, metadata is mentioned as a primary keyword in terms of intelligent information. Also, the digitization of our lives is emphasized to influence the way we consume information.

Researching the 82079 Standard

As you might have seen, I have made the most important keywords italic. These characteristics of intelligent information give a great starting point for researching the new 82079 standard, again with the aim of finding requirements that match these keywords.

So that’s what I did. The result?

I think quite a lot of the above-mentioned characteristics can be found in the 82079 standard, although sometimes using different wording.

This table gives a summarized and organized overview of the keywords and their equivalents in the standard. In the third column, I have added the sections in the standard that describe this topic.

Keywords used to describe “intelligent information”Equivalents in the 82079 standardSection(s) in the 82079 standard
Strategic approach, developing and managing content, efficient use of content processesStrategy and information management process5.4 and 6
Efficient use of peopleProfessional competencies10
Technology, digitalizedMedia and format9
Scalable, automation, components, structured, reuseStructure8
Personalized, metadataInformation delivery8.4.3.1

Let’s describe these sections in more detail.

Intelligent Information Embedded in the 82079 Standard

Sections 5.4 and 6 describe a strategic approach to developing and managing content.

The following four process groups for the planning, design, production, and sustainment of information for use are distinguished:

  1. Analysis and planning of information
  2. Design and development (including review, editing, and testing)
  3. Production and distribution
  4. Sustainment (including maintenance and improvement)

Section 10 is all about the people involved. According to the standard, the creation of information for use shall be assigned to competent persons.

The exact competency requirements are given in the new standard. Three levels of proficiency are indicated.

When it comes to the digitization of information, the new standard is much less strict than its predecessor. Media and format requirements are given in section 9 of the 82079 standard.

Media should be based on the needs of the target audience, meaning that print is not always mandatory. It is considered important that the media allow easy and permanent access to information for use and that the chosen media are durable.

When information is structured well, from the level of information product all the way to the level of the instructions, then it is possible to deliver only the relevant information to the target audience. This is what section 8 is about.

Conclusion

I am convinced that, although not always very clearly, the new standard IEC/IEEE 82079 takes “intelligent information” very much into account.

Only the use of metadata is hard to find in the standard.

Despite this, when you want to learn how to write for intelligent information, the 82079 standard is a great starting point.

See you at tcworld conference?

I am really looking forward to giving the following lectures:

  • Is It/Will It Legally Be Allowed to Publish Documentation Online?
    November 12 | 9:15 | Plenum 1
  • How to Create CE-Compliant Information for Use
    November 13 | 12:15 | Plenum 1
  • How to Research Standards? (International and Local Standards)
    November 13 | 15:00 | Plenum 1

Join in!


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