Technical Writing and Communications - A Skill We All Have Or Very Few?

Writing is a method of communication that mostmany technical publications departments also
of us are able to do although some are better atinclude a technical illustrator who can create
communicating with the written word than others.technical drawings to supplement the instructions
Technical writing is a formal style of writing forin the documentation.
producing documentation in a wide range ofRather than tie up valuable resources in employing
industries such as engineering, biotechnology,technical writers, illustrators and buying all the
aerospace, rail, electronics and robotics to name anecessary equipment and software, many firms
few.find it economically more sensible to outsource
Technical writers are expected to explain complextheir technical publications requirements. By doing
systems and related plans to both technically andthis you have often have more control over the
non-technically minded people. Technical writing canbudget and can factor the costs on to the
cover systems as complex as the wiring for acustomer.
military vehicle or as mundane as operatingIf you need supporting documentation,
manual for a television remote control.maintenance manuals, user guides or illustrated
A technical writer will need to understand whoparts catalogues and you don't have the
their audience will be and their level of experienceresources in-house to produce them then contact
and education. They will then gather informationa technical publications company and discuss your
from existing subject documentation, for instance,requirements with them. You could well be
wiring diagrams and from the manufacturers orsurprised at how affordable the documentation is
designers of the subject matter.and you'll find that your customers are happy to
Technical documentation includes training guides,have high specification documentation with their
maintenance manuals and parts catalogues andnew product or software.