R4i Suite v8 Release - Give your content some grunt
1 June 2012: Aerospace and Defense Information specialists Absolute Data Group (ADG) has released the v8 version of their ASD S1000D Software Suite. This new release builds on R4i’s CSDB Server’s core strength; the ability to deliver media rich interactive electronic technical manuals (IETM), along with “print ready” publications for Defense, Aerospace and Heavy Industry.
Companies working in the S1000D environment will appreciate the following:
* Updated user interfaces to utilise new 2012 design for CSDB Components and the R4i Viewer and ReViewer
* New free Cortona 2D CGM / 3D Vector image plug-in as the default graphics viewer in the R4i Viewer and CSDB Desktop/Client
* Pop out list (Figure Legend) of active hot spots for CGM images which enables users to interrogate images in one snapshot in the Cortona View inside R4i Viewer
* Added option for Graphics to be viewed in the IETP tree view in the R4i Viewer
* Ability to include the DMC Filter in the IETP, allowing R4i Viewer users to filter and search for Data Modules via SNS and other custom searches
* New applicability filters in the R4i Viewer when content had been pre-filtered in Media Generator
* Increased Publication Module support, including automatic generation of Publication Modules for Data Delivery
* Flexible Stylesheet Parameter support in the IETP generation.
* Fast login support with all R4i Products being able to be launched after single login to R4i Client
* IETP package encryption to enable IETP's to be distributed to non ITAR compliant organisations
* New Brex Checker Tool
* Enhancements to the web layer to ensure the same robust R4i Viewer features operate the same in on line and off line modes
* R4i ReViewer with new capability that includes Save Data Module to PDF and full workflow capability of Comment Modules.
* DITA support in the new R4i Binder, including support for Dita book.ditamp and Publication Modules in Binder XPS
Designed specifically for operators and maintainers who need reliable access to technical and operational information both electronically and in Print, R4i ensures the same authorized information that is delivered in print is delivered as Interactive Electronic Technical Publication (IETP), to Windows, Mobile and iOS devices.
With over 14 years’ experience in supplying software, training and services, ADG understands the complex and secure environments employed by their customers. “Our customers contributed a great deal into this release, with their end customers requiring much more interaction in their IETP’s.” said ADG’s CEO, Tammy Halter.
We look forward to demonstrating the latest versions of our software on Stand 9 at the S1000D Conference in Denver this year.
For sales enquires email:
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15 January 2012: First there was the R4i Viewer. Now there's the R4i ReViewer! This fantastic new functionality enables you to review and comment on IETMs. You can add 'sticky notes' to the IETM content which contains the comment information. You can then:
1. Save the notes as a Comment Module for storing in the CSDB for audit and traceability.
2. Also save the comments inside the IETM (Review Package), so that the IETM can be returned to the original OEM/Supplier, and they can open IETM content with the Sticky Notes in place for easy audit.
We are thrilled to be the first Vendor to output review feedback to the S1000D Specification Comment Module.
18 July 2011: A new interface for Adobe FrameMaker users is helping authors to speed up the production of data modules and reduce the risk of errors.
Thanks to a partnership between global S1000D software provider, Absolute Data Group and UK consultancy Mekon, users can now automatically link to data modules and images within the ADG R4i Common Source Database, using the latest version of Mekon’s Eclipse plug-in for FrameMaker.
Previously authors had to follow a long and arduous manual process when needing to link data modules or insert graphics within a data module. This included opening the common source database where the data modules or graphics were stored, searching for them and noting down their reference code, before re-typing the code into their data module.
According to ADG’s CEO Tammy Halter, this resulted in errors and typos, and often the selection of the wrong data module or graphic. But this is now all in the past, she says.
“The new interface is great news for Adobe FrameMaker customers who can now automatically insert references to data modules and illustrations with our R4i CSDB, directly into their data module,” said Tammy. “It will speed up the authoring process as well as prevent the incorrect selection of data modules or graphics.”
“We’ve been providing this connectivity for our Epic customers for many years, so it’s great to finally be able to offer this important interface to Adobe FrameMaker customers too.”
The Mekon Eclipse S1000D pack is a plug-in for Adobe FrameMaker and includes this important CSDB interface, as well as a range of other useful functionality.
June 2011: ADG's Project and Channel Services Manager, Antony (AJ) Wilkinson spoke at the S1000D User Forum in Montreal in June, presenting on the topic:
S1000D: An international specification divided by interpretation
AJ focussed on the characteristics of implementing an S1000D project and how projects can vary through interpretation alone. Using four distinct examples of projects, he discussed the decision making process and offered ways to educate different stakeholders on the requirements of S1000D projects.
Whilst at the Conference, the ADG team showcased our S1000D software and enjoyed networking with an amazing group of people in the defense sector.
10 May 2011: ADG's R4i BuildPoint has been named one of Australia's 100 most innovative products in services, in one of the largest innovation awards of its kind in Australia - the Anthill Magazine's 'SMART 100' Index. R4i BuildPoint is intelligent, modular software, that helps manufacturers create, manage and leverage information that is vital to the operation and maintenance of their critical assets. It seamlessly flows product data from design and... read more ..............................................................................................
ADG wins Government Grant to expand R4i technology
April 2011: ADG has been awarded a Queensland Government 'Business and Industry Transformation Incentive' (BITI) grant, to further develop its R4i BuildPoint technology. R4i BuildPoint can help companies manage all elements of a product’s life cycle – from initial design and configuration to costings, dynamic documentation, maintenance scheduling and product modification. Since 2007 the Queensland Government has supported 31 progressive Queensland companies with a total of almost $6 million in funding through the BITI scheme. ..............................................................................................
NEW: R4i Binder XPS – Dynamic addition to the R4i Suite
R4i Binder XPS (eXtensible Print System) takes all the latest features available in ADG’s popular R4i Binder print system and allows it to run stand-alone on a computer without requiring the R4i CSDB Server system. R4i Binder XPS can easily transform ASD S1000D Data Modules (XML or SGML) stored on a network drive into a hyperlinked PDF with automatically generated Front and Back Matter, List of Effective Pages and Table of Contents.
If you are using a 3rd party S1000D publishing system without a print engine, or you’re currently using an expensive or slow print system that is not meeting expectations, R4i Binder XPS will easily process your S1000D content and Publications Module, producing high quality manuals. If you have content that is regularly updated and distributed, R4i Binder XPS includes the same powerful automatic Change Packaging capability included with R4i Binder Workstation. This optional module will generate a Change Package that contains only information that has changed. ..............................................................................................
Absolute Data Group has achieved SCORM 2004 Edition 4 Adapters Conformance Validation from the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Centre, for the Skills Studio Learning Content Management System (LCMS).
Skills Studio is part of ADG's S1000D Technical Data Suite, enabling the delivery of interactive online training for maintainers and operators of mission critical assets.
"Skills Studio allows the rapid creation and distribution of online courses in a user friendly environment and when combined with our Skills MyClass Server, the system allows for advanced student management, providing an end-to-end e-Learning environment," said ADG's CEO, Tammy Halter.
Defense, aerospace and heavy engineering organizations require online learning systems that fully utilize multimedia and technical data. Skills M5 leverages these assets, including the re-purposing of S1000D content. While the author works in a form-based authoring environment, XML is created when a lesson is saved to the course tree. All Data modules, images and linked content are stored in the database. The 'read only' view into the S1000D Repository (R4i CSDB Server) makes content reuse as easy as Drag & Drop. ..............................................................................................
Sentinel leads the way in 21st Century Maintenance & Training
Integrated Logistics Support specialists CHAND LLC has selected Absolute Data Group's integrated software suite to provide an advanced e-learning, planned maintenance and electronic technical manual capability for the new fleet of U.S Coast Guard Sentinel Class Cutters. 154 feet in length and capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots, the cutters are armed with one remotely-operated 25mm chain gun and four crew-served .50 caliber machine guns. The Sentinel Class Patrol boats will be able to perform independently for a minimum of 5 days at sea, and be underway for 2,500 hours per year. Read more
More options, more flexible with R4i Binder Desktop
Absolute Data Group has released the latest version of their ASD S1000D print publishing software, R4i Binder Workstation, along with the new R4i Binder Desktop. This new release builds on R4i’s core strength; the ability to deliver media rich interactive electronic technical publications (IETPs), along with “print ready” publications for defense, aerospace and heavy industry.
Companies using ADG’s R4i Common Source Data Base can leverage R4i Binder’sadvanced print publication generation capabilities and options, including:
A revised interface allowing fast access to PDF books and authorized versions
A new Library feature, allowing users to pre-configure book structures prior to printing
Enhanced book history, including released versions and associated change packages
Automatic generation of Table of Contents, Index and List of effected pages (LOEP)
“View & Review” capability enabling operators to produce books and changes packages for review prior to the formal release of the print publications
Australian Aerospace selects ADG’s R4i S1000D CSDB Server for MRH90
Australian Aerospace has selected ADG’s R4i CSDB Server suite for the production of ASD S1000D hardcopy manuals for the ADF’s new Multi Role Helicopter, the MRH90.
The selection of R4i for the MRH90 program leverages the existing R4i system which is used by Australian Aerospace to produce Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) for the Army’s ARH Tiger. The MRH90 can carry 18 fully-equipped troops or 4,000kg of under slung load, plus four crew. Cruise speed is 300km/h and maximum range is over 900km.
It has state-of-the-art technology, a composite fuselage, a rear ramp enabling a small vehicle to be loaded, a full fly-by-wire control system and a digital cockpit. The helicopter is fully marinised and thus able to operate from Royal Australian Navy amphibious ships.
“We look forward to supporting the Australian Aerospace program in the delivery of PDFs and IETPs to our Defense Forces. These are first class programs and we are proud of our association with Australian Aerospace”, said Absolute Data Group’s CEO, Tammy Halter. ..............................................................................................
R4i Viewer achieves USAF Certification
The U.S. Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA) at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois has certified ADG's R4i Viewer v7.0 for use on standard desktop systems connected to the Air Force Global Information Grid and placed the software on the Air Force Evaluated/Approved Products List. The R4i Viewer was tested at the Independent Test and Evaluation Center in Rome, New York. Customers deploying R4i Viewer Packages to the U.S. Air Force can now advise U.S. Air Force customers of this certification, which will greatly assist with the deployment of their R4i IETPs.
ADG CEO Tammy Halter is proud of the development team's efforts to achieve the Certification. "It is a great result for ADG and backs up our certification on the Australian Defence Force Restricted Network (DRN) six months ago. ADG's Defense customers that supply IETMs to the Australian and US Defense Forces now have a smoother implementation and acceptance process," she said.
Version 7.0 of the free IETP Viewer contains improved image support, customizable user presentation and enhanced support for IETP Change Packages. ADG's unique capability to operate in both online and stand-alone (offline) modes has also been improved. ADG Customers requiring a copy of the Certification Memorandum can contact ADG. ..............................................................................................
Boeing Defence Australia purchases ADG's S1000D software
Absolute Data Group (ADG) have signed an agreement with Boeing Defense Australia to supply them its R4i S1000D software for use on upcoming Defense contracts. ADG’s R4i software was chosen to establish Boeing Australia’s S1000D capability. This will enable them to provide S1000D-compliant interactive technical manuals to meet upcoming Defence project requirements. Read more
"I want to thank you so much for your assistance. I recognise it is a lot of work to meet our requirements but we could not have moved forward without you. There are a lot of excited people wanting to use the latest version of R4i Binder and the new improved style sheets which have been delivered by ADG."
Team Leader Virgin Australia (Commercial Airlines)
Integrated Logistics Support specialists CHAND LLC has selected Absolute Data Group's integrated software suite to provide an advanced e-learning, planned maintenance and electronic technical manual capability for the new fleet of U.S Coast Guard Sentinel Class Cutters. 154 feet in length and capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots, the cutters are armed with one remotely-operated 25mm chain gun and four crew-served .50 caliber machine guns. The Sentinel Class Patrol boats will be able to perform independently for a minimum of 5 days at sea, and be underway for 2,500 hours per year. 
Australian Aerospace has selected ADG’s 