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In addition to the advice on regs and requirements that others have suggested, double-check to see if there's a specific set of standards for publications for the industry you're now in.
For example, manuals for the airline industry should follow ATA 100/ISPEC 2200, telecom should look to Bellcore/Telecordia standards, most military manuals have to comply with MIL-STD-38784. It would not surprise me if the FDA has its own set of specifications as well.
Rick Lippincott, Technical Writer
American Science and Engineering, Inc. | www.as-e.com
Office +1-978-262-8807 | Fax +1-978-262-8702
rlippincott -at- as-e -dot- com
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-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+rlippincott=as-e -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+rlippincott=as-e -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Kyle Simmons
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 11:19 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Technical Writing in the Manufacturing Industry: Supplements, Cosmetics, OTC
Just landed my first tech writing gig in the quality control department of a midsized manufacturing company. We produce dietary supplements and are regulated by the FDA. I want to learn more about industry-specific tech writing practices because there's so much regulation surrounding our products. When I look for information about tech writing and manufacturing, I find a lot about electronics and consumer-facing documentation. I'm dealing with foods, packaging, compliance, and internal documentation. Does anybody here work in a similar industry and have some advice for someone who's just getting his feet wet? And more specifically, any recommendations for document management/control (I was thinking a long-term goal of transitioning to DITA)?
Much thanks,
Kyle S.
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