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Manuals and Training Services

PAI has experience in the preparation and editing of technical publications, such as maintenance and workshop manuals and illustrated parts catalogs for transit projects.  PAI also prepares and delivers training courses.

PAI differentiates itself from other technical writing companies by providing expertise in technical writing and direct rail transit engineering, maintenance and operations.  Our staff and Associates have experience working directly with transit authorities in supervisory operations and maintenance positions.

In PAI’s experience, well-written manuals and documentation will:- Be accepted by your customer earlier.

- Result in earlier payment of associated milestones

- Increase customer satisfaction.

- Ease the training process, including training delivery.

Process

PAI employs its proven process to ensure success of your manuals and training program.

Project Understanding

Every technical writing job is different.  Customer requirements can vary from simple text manuals to complex interactive multimedia manuals, commonly referred to as Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs).  As a mobilization activity, PAI conducts a detailed requirements analysis of the Technical Specification.  This process will highlight any requirements that are particularly stringent early on in the process.  This avoids delays in delivery of the manuals to the customer and minimizes the potential for additional reviews of draft material.

Establish the Project Team

PAI understands that appointing a principal point of contact for a project results in an efficient and coordinated effort that provides a smooth interface with the customer.  Therefore, PAI assigns a Project Manager that is experienced and competent to control and direct the work.  The Project Manager is responsible for directing all aspects of the manuals and related training program, including ensuring that:

•           Definition of the Contract and Technical Specification has been established.

•           Work scope and requirements are accurate and approved.

•           Deliverables are included in the Manual Project Plan and resources are allocated and scheduled.

•           Department/Subcontractor/Customer interaction is anticipated and planned.

•           Format and style guidelines are communicated to all affected parties.

•           Timely delivery is achieved, including in-process status monitoring and reporting.

PAI’s technical writers/editors are responsible for ensuring all outputs clearly communicate maintenance and operations concepts and procedures, in accordance with the project requirements.  They ensure consistency of word choice, proper grammar usage and format and ensure that the document is clear and understandable.  Customized checklists are used to ensure consistency and compliance with the project requirements, as stipulated in the Technical Specification.

Establish the Development Process

Early and ongoing planning ensures that all phases of the project are considered, requirements are met, and that challenges are anticipated and addressed at the earliest possible date. 

PAI will work with you to ensure the following project elements are considered when planning:

1.         Overall project Schedule

2.         Compliance with the Technical Specification

3.         Past performance of each subsystem subcontractor (risk identification)

4.         Customer’s specific requirements

5.         Delivery and production requirements

6.         Customer Contract Milestones

Complete the Project

After we are in agreement with the scope of work, a Manual Project Plan is prepared by PAI and agreed by all parties.  This manual may include the following:

▪                      Approach to preparing the manuals and corresponding training material

▪                      Documentation preparation and review process

▪                      Protocols and procedures for:

·         Communication

·         Project status meetings

·         Internal project schedule protocol

·         Completion of checklists and client sign offs.

 

Experience

Taiwan Shinkansen – High Speed Rail Cars

Preparation and review of Carbuilder’s Operations and Maintenance Manuals and Training material for vehicle and associated subsystems for the Taiwan High Speed Rail project.

MBTA 900 Series bi-level commuter coaches

1.    Advisor and Technical Reviewer for carbuilder’s Running Maintenance and Heavy Maintenance Manuals

2.      Preparation and review of Running Maintenance Training courses, including:

·         Student handouts

·         Presentation slides

·         Instructors notes

·         Quizzes

Mass Rail Transit (MRT) Line 2 Cars - 1500 Vdc EMU

1.      Maintenance Manual (1400 pages)

2.      System Operation Instruction (350 pages)

3.      Workshop Manual

4.   Illustrated Parts Catalog

5.   Diagnostic Test Equipment

6.      Special Tools

7.    Preparation of Training materials for Maintenance and System Operation courses, including:

·         Student handouts

·         Presentation slides

·         Instructors notes

·         Quizzes

8.      Course delivery and final grading

JFK Airport link - Combined Power Conversion Unit (Propulsion System)

1.      Level 1 Repair and Maintenance Manual (398 pages), covering troubleshooting of service failures and removal and installation of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)

2.      Level 2 Repair and Maintenance Workshop Manual (350 pages), covering trouble diagnosis and repair of LRUs down to Lowest Level Replaceable Units (LLRUs)

3.      Illustrated Parts Catalog (148 pages)

4.      Preparation of Training materials for Level 1 and Level 2 courses, including:

·         Student handouts

·         Presentation slides

·         Instructors notes

·         Tests

·         Course delivery and final grading (Level 1: 5 days, Level 2: 3 days)

Vancouver Mark II Skytrain - Combined Power Conversion Unit (Propulsion System)

1.      Preparation of Training materials for Level 1 and Level 2 courses, including:

·         Student handouts

·         Presentation slides

·         Instructors notes

·         Tests

2.      Course delivery and final grading (Level 1: 5 days, Level 2: 2 days)

Note:  The manuals for this equipment were prepared by the client based on the JFK manuals that were prepared by PAI, because the Vancouver Mark II vehicle uses the same PCU product.

Minneapolis(Hiawatha) LRT - Combined Power Conversion Unit (Propulsion System)

Technical Review and revision of suppliers’ operation, troubleshooting and maintenance manuals based on customers review comments.

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