What is BS EN 16749:2020?

BS EN 16749:2020, also known as the European Standard for Technical Documentation, is a set of guidelines and requirements designed to ensure clear, concise, and accurate information is provided to users of various technical products. These guidelines can be applied to a wide range of industries, including engineering, manufacturing, and information technology.

Scope and Purpose

The scope of BS EN 16749:2020 encompasses all types of technical documents, such as user manuals, installation guides, and maintenance instructions. The purpose of implementing this standard is to enhance the usability of these documents by establishing clear guidelines for their structure, content, and presentation.

Main Requirements

BS EN 16749:2020 outlines several key requirements that technical writers should adhere to when creating documentation:

Language: The language used in the technical document should be clear, logical, and appropriate for the target audience. It should avoid jargon or complex terminology that may confuse the reader.

Structure: The document should have a well-organized structure, with sections and headings that facilitate easy navigation. The information should be presented in a logical order, following a consistent style guide.

Content: The content should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date. It should cover all relevant aspects of the product, including its features, operation, safety measures, and troubleshooting procedures.

Visuals: The use of visuals, such as diagrams, illustrations, and photographs, is encouraged to help convey complex concepts or procedures. Visuals should be clear, labeled, and referenced appropriately in the text.

Accessibility: Technical documents should be easily accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or impairments. Consideration should be given to providing alternative formats, such as braille or audio files, to cater to different needs.

Translation: If the product is intended for international markets, translation into multiple languages may be necessary. In such cases, BS EN 16749:2020 provides guidelines on ensuring accurate translations and maintaining consistency across different language versions.

Benefits

Implementing BS EN 16749:2020 offers several benefits to both organizations and end-users:

Improved User Experience: Clear and well-structured documentation enables users to understand and utilize the product effectively, reducing errors and frustration.

Increase in Safety: Accurate and comprehensive information about product operation and safety precautions helps prevent accidents and ensures user safety.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: High-quality technical documentation reflects positively on the brand, building trust and loyalty among customers.

Cost Reduction: Well-written technical documents decrease the need for customer support, as users can find answers to their queries without assistance.

Conclusion

BS EN 16749:2020 plays a vital role in ensuring that technical documentation meets high standards of clarity, usability, and accessibility. By implementing this standard, organizations can enhance their products' usability, improve customer satisfaction, and build a reputation for providing reliable and user-friendly documentation.