Media Selection
The most common types of media used to deliver SRT information are print and electronic. Considerations should include - but not be limited to - the following for each type media.
- Print
- Accessibility . Books must be retained in a specific, accessible location for easy use.
- Readability . Transfer of material from user to user through photocopying may blur text.
- Usability . SRT manuals should be user-friendly for searching, invoice generation, etc.
- Flexibility . The SRT manual should be flexible enough to ensure sufficient time is indicated for each repair task.
- Renewability . SRT publishers should provide adequate updates, supplements and replacement editions as needed.
Printed material does have several positive attributes. For example, printed books are not affected by power outages, web interruptions, server problems or viruses which can render electronic delivery methods inaccessible. Access is also immune from computer hardware/software failures.
- Electronic
- Accessibility . Hardware requirements should be reasonable for utilization. The system should be compatible with currently used operating system.
- Readability . Screens, texts and images should be easy to read.
- Usability . The system interface should be user-friendly for searching, navigation, invoice generation, etc. Web-based application should be able to maintain function should a service interruption occur.
- Flexibility . The SRT manual should be flexible enough to ensure sufficient time is indicated for each repair task.
- Renewability . The system should provide adequate updates, supplements and replacement patches as needed.
Most SRT guides are available through electronic media (e.g., CD-ROM, Internet portal, completely integrated module within the service provider's point-of-sale system). Service Providers should review their work environment to determine which electronic media will best fit their business model.
System requirements are important, especially if you plan on using existing hardware. Inadequate hardware/software will result in poor system performance and dissatisfaction during the repair process.
Repair guide publishers must be able to provide the system requirements prior to implementation. However, web-based applications do not generally have operating needs other than Internet access and browser requirements.