Can DITA facilitate the reuse of training modules across different vehicle models, technical training programs, and certification tracks?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

DITA significantly facilitates the reuse of training modules across different vehicle models, technical training programs, and certification tracks in the automotive industry. This reusability is achieved through structured content, topic modularity, and conditional processing. Here’s how DITA enables efficient content reuse:

Modular Content

DITA encourages the creation of modular content, where training materials are broken down into smaller, self-contained topics. These topics can cover specific subjects such as engine maintenance, electrical systems, or safety procedures. By structuring content in this way, organizations can easily mix and match topics to create tailored training modules for different vehicle models and technical programs. This modularity minimizes redundancy and streamlines the development process.

Conditional Processing

Conditional processing in DITA allows content to be tailored to specific requirements. Organizations can use conditional attributes to include or exclude content based on factors like vehicle models, certification levels, or regional variations. For instance, you can create a single topic with conditional text that presents different content based on the selected vehicle model or certification track. This ensures that the training materials remain relevant and customized to the target audience without duplicating efforts.

Example:

Here’s an example demonstrating the use of conditional processing in DITA for reusing content across different vehicle models:


<topic id="engine_maintenance">
  <title>Engine Maintenance</title>
  <body>
    <section conkeyref="vehicle:model_A">
      <p>Engine maintenance for Model A.</p>
    </section>
    <section conkeyref="vehicle:model_B">
      <p>Engine maintenance for Model B.</p>
    </section>
  </body>

In this example, the same topic can serve as a foundation for engine maintenance instructions for different vehicle models (Model A and Model B) by using conditional processing to display the relevant content based on the selected model.