DEFINING REQUIREMENTS :.

AMCon approaches each data migration challenge in a manner that is consistent with the Scientific Method. Accordingly, the result of this examination of your logistics and technical requirements is that we gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues to be resolved at each level of the project. Technical specifications are complex collections of knowledge and experience gathered over time to form a consensus as to how a given challenge should be tackled. Most people relate to the need to comply with a specification, but do not have in-depth knowledge of the consequences this compliance will have for their information.

AMCon's process is configurable not only to meet the logistics and technical requirements of your organization, but also to enable you to understand the benefits you will gain and reduce the learning curve in understanding the impact that specification compliance will have.

Each configurable phase of the AMCon Process produces a measurable result conforming to a structured protocol. This measurable result is produced as a deliverable to keep you and your team “in the know” regarding the migration path that is being followed. Since the Process phases are incremental steps to requirement compliance, each deliverable engages a more in-depth look at the specification. This incremental methodology reduces the learning curve for all stakeholders and encourages more open communication about any issues that are surfaced.

.: CECOM CTOS :.

The US Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) required a methodology to enable the management of a large data migration project and ensure full compliance with the functional requirements of the source documents and applicable standards. The AMCon Team undertook the development of the Conversion Task Order Specification (CTOS) which, in addition to being a detailed specification for the conversion, describes interim deliverables and approvals required to ensure that conversion contractors meet the requirements of the task order at measurable stages in the process. CTOS is now a wonderful management tool that facilitates CECOM control of data migration work done for them and serves as a guideline for all organizations seeking compliance with CECOM requirements in this regard.

.: MIL STDs :.

Military Standards are the foundations for establishing unified structures within the Department of Defense. These standards are developed by government and industry experts, each making knowledge-based contributions which combine to create a comprehensive standard. Military Standards are always detailed and, at times, rigid compounding the difficulty in comprehension and application. As a consequence, a great deal of effort may be applied to learning the standard rather than applying it – usually the principal goal of an exercise.

.: IETM Functionality :.

Initially, IETMs were categorized into 6 classes (0 to 5), with class 5 representing the most interactive solution. Recently, Industry Standards have moved to classifying IETMs as 2 types, labeled according to the level of functionality contained in the IETM.

Type 1 IETMs have combined IETMs that were previously labeled Class 0-3. Typically, they describe lower functionality IETMs. Generally, Type 1 IETMs have low interactivity and are usually referred to as “page turners”.

Type 2 IETMs, combining IETMs previously labeled Class 4 & 5, are much more advanced in technology incorporating a wide range of interactivity, functionality and prognostic capabilities.

As there are many IETM solutions on the market that support varying levels of functionality, the original class labels are still in use.

AMCon utilizes open standard technologies like Java and XSLT, providing the capability to customize to the clients needs. These technologies enable a greater level of sustainability and future capability.

.: S1000D Compliance :.

OSD mandated S1000D compliance is now an inevitability. The AMCon process and toolset is uniquely suited to mitigating the risks inherent in the migration of legacy source material to full and functional compliance with S1000D. By managing the interpretive risks of categorizing source content to the correct XML Schema, assigning each Data Module (DM) its correct Information Code (IC), and determining the appropriate granularity of each DM, AMCon can effectively map each addressable structure in the source to its correct S1000D implementation.

The AMCon toolset and mapping process enables our staff to contextually configure legacy source documentation to S1000D structures. Our workflow management conversion environment applies the valid mark-up, and our industry unique Quality Assurance environment ensures complete compliance with the standard in multiple deployment media.