Graphics - Based Service Information J2892_201610

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/J2892_201610

Issuing Committee: Graphics Based Service Information Committee

Publisher: SAE International

Pages: 44

Rationale: Translating assembly and service instructions into multiple human languages is a major cost and lengthy task in new product programs of global businesses. One approach to minimizing translation cost and time is based on the idea that a picture can replace a thousand words. Automotive manufacturers adopting this approach have traditionally developed their own proprietary systems of illustration-based manuals. Although this approach might save money in the short term, proprietary manuals require proprietary training materials and courses, which drive up longer-term costs versus a standard system. In addition, service technicians who change employers have to be re-trained to understand each company’s unique system of illustrated instructions. The overall result is an inefficient system prone to extra expense and occasional errors by technicians. To help address these issues, in 2009 SAE’s Service Development Steering Committee authorized a Graphics-Based Service Information Taskforce to begin development of a standard that would clearly illustrate key assembly, adjustment, and disassembly tasks performed by automotive service technicians. Creating standard conventions and symbols allows consistent messages to be communicated across industry and deliverable types.