Conditional processing in content delivery is a crucial aspect of tailoring documentation to the specific needs of different manufacturing audiences. DITA provides a powerful mechanism to include or exclude content based on conditions, ensuring that the right information reaches the right audience.

Targeted Information

Manufacturing documentation often caters to various audiences, including engineers, assembly line workers, and quality control personnel. With conditional processing, content creators can specify conditions for each audience, such as their role or expertise level. For example, technical details might be included for engineers while simplified, step-by-step instructions are delivered to assembly line workers. This targeted approach enhances comprehension and reduces the risk of errors on the factory floor.

Adaptable Documentation

Manufacturing environments are dynamic, and the same documentation may need to adapt for different scenarios. DITA’s conditional processing allows content to adjust based on specific conditions. For instance, if a particular component or process is not applicable to a certain manufacturing line, the documentation can intelligently exclude that information. This adaptability ensures that manufacturing personnel receive only relevant content, streamlining operations and minimizing confusion.

Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA facilitates conditional processing for manufacturing documentation:

<topic id="assembly_instructions">
  <title>Product Assembly Instructions</title>
  <content>...
    <conditional conkeyref="engineer">
      <p>Technical specifications and tolerances...</p>
    </conditional>
    <conditional conkeyref="assembly_worker">
      <p>Step-by-step assembly instructions...</p>
    </conditional>
  </content>

In this example, DITA allows content to adapt based on conditions. Depending on the audience, it can include technical specifications for engineers or simplified assembly instructions for assembly workers.