Version control and change tracking are critical aspects of equipment documentation when using DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture). They play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of documentation over time, especially in dynamic industries like maritime. Below, we explore how DITA facilitates version control and change tracking:

Version Control

With DITA, each documentation component, or “topic,” can include version information. This allows authors to track and manage different versions of equipment documentation effectively. Version control ensures that users always have access to the most up-to-date information while also preserving historical records. For instance, if there are updates to the maintenance procedures for a specific vessel, DITA makes it easy to maintain a clear version history, ensuring that users can access the correct information for their specific equipment.

Change Tracking

DITA also supports change tracking, which is vital for documenting equipment updates, modifications, or revisions. When changes are made to a DITA topic, authors can include metadata that highlights what was modified, when it was modified, and who made the changes. This granular tracking allows for a transparent audit trail of equipment documentation. In the maritime industry, where safety and compliance are paramount, change tracking ensures that any alterations to critical equipment documentation are documented, reviewed, and validated by relevant stakeholders.

Example:

Here’s an example of how version control and change tracking are implemented in DITA:

<topic id="maintenance_procedures">
  <title>Maintenance Procedures</title>
  <version>2.0</version>
  <last-revision-date>2023-11-10</last-revision-date>
  <revised-by>Jane Smith</revised-by>
  <content>...
  <change-history>
    <change date="2023-10-15" made-by="John Doe">Updated section on engine oil change.</change>
    <change date="2023-09-20" made-by="Alice Johnson">Added safety checklist for equipment startup.</change>
  </change-history>

In this DITA example, the “Maintenance Procedures” topic includes version information, the date of the last revision, and details about recent changes made to the documentation. This allows users to understand the history and evolution of the documentation.