Adapt the information analysis to the project’s starting point

New materiel

When a materiel system is developed from scratch, there is often no existing documentation to build upon.

The information analysis therefore focuses on identifying which information sources will become available during the project and when. The objective is to ensure that the documentation work can follow the development without unnecessary rework.

Existing materiel with civilian documentation

In many cases, user manuals, service documentation or technical descriptions already exist.

The information analysis assesses what can be reused and what needs to be supplemented. A manual that works well in the civilian market does not necessarily contain the information required for military use.

For example, information on preventive maintenance, care procedures or military operating conditions may be missing.

Existing defence materiel

Where materiel publications already exist, the information analysis assesses whether they are still current.

The materiel may have been modified, regulations may have changed or new requirements may have been introduced. As a result, previously approved materiel publications may need to be revised or supplemented before they can be used in a new project.

The materiel may also have been used by armed forces other than the Swedish Armed Forces. In such cases, the information analysis assesses how existing foreign materiel publications can be used as source material for new publications.

Identify the information sources

An information analysis involves much more than checking whether documentation exists.

It identifies the available information sources and assesses their quality. The source material may include:

• drawings
• existing publications
• technical specifications
• subcontractor data sheets
• results from ILS and system safety activities
• knowledge of operators, engineers and other subject matter experts

In many projects, the source material is further supplemented through functional reviews, method studies, photography and video recordings of the materiel.

Assess the quality

The fact that information exists does not mean that it can be used.

The source material must be accurate, consistent and sufficiently detailed. It must also be adapted to the intended audience and contain the information required for the safe operation, care and maintenance of the materiel throughout its service life.

Identify the missing information

The information analysis identifies both the information that is required and the information that is missing from the documentation source material.

This may include drawings that have not yet been completed, maintenance analyses that are still in progress or information that has not yet been documented.

Equally important is identifying where the information exists and who possesses the knowledge. This may be an engineer, an operator, a service technician, a subcontractor or another subject matter expert.

By identifying information needs, information sources and information gaps at an early stage, it becomes easier to plan interviews, functional reviews and other activities before they affect the project schedule.

Summary

An information analysis involves far more than collecting documents.

It provides a structured understanding of the available information sources, their quality and the additional information that is required.

By identifying the right information sources early in the project, better conditions are created for efficient documentation work and materiel publications that meet both user needs and FMV’s requirements.