What is ISO-IEC 21481:2017

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have jointly developed a standard known as ISO-IEC 21481:2017. This technical standard offers guidelines and requirements for writing professional documents, particularly those related to technology. It is designed to promote consistency, clarity, and effective communication.

Importance of ISO-IEC 21481:2017

ISO-IEC 21481:2017 serves as a valuable tool for individuals and organizations involved in producing technical documents. By adhering to this standard, companies can ensure that their documentation is accurate, easy to understand, and meets industry best practices.

Furthermore, complying with ISO-IEC 21481:2017 helps to enhance the overall quality of the document, making it more reader-friendly and accessible to a wider audience. This contributes to better knowledge transfer, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction.

Key Requirements of ISO-IEC 21481:2017

ISO-IEC 21481:2017 outlines several key requirements that writers should follow when creating professional technical documents:

Consistent Terminology: The standard emphasizes the use of consistent terminology throughout the document. This includes defining technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms to avoid confusion.

Clear Structure: The document should be well-organized, with a logical flow and clear headings, subheadings, and sections. Each section should have a defined purpose and contribute to the overall message of the document.

Accurate Information: All information and data presented in the document should be accurate and up-to-date. This ensures that readers can rely on the content for their needs.

Plain Language: The use of plain language is encouraged, avoiding overly technical jargon or complex sentence structures. This helps to make the document accessible to a wider audience, including those with limited technical knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ISO-IEC 21481:2017 plays a significant role in guiding the creation of professional technical documents. Adhering to this standard improves the quality, consistency, and understandability of such documents, ultimately benefiting both writers and readers. By following the guidelines set forth in ISO-IEC 21481:2017, companies can ensure their technical documents are effective tools for communication and information transfer.