|
The Trane Air-Conditioning Economics (TRACE® 700) software is intended as a design-and-analysis tool to help designers optimize the design of the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system based on energy utilization and life-cycle cost. The software models virtually any building, HVAC system, and economic / utility scenario; compares alternatives; and makes decisions based on building life-cycle costs. Using the TRACE 700 program in the early stages of building planning allows the building owner and building design team to receive the maximum benefit of a detailed analysis, and can also be invaluable for assessing the energy and economic impact of building renovation or system retrofit projects.
Trane’s TRACE 700 software has been offered to customers for several years and, as is typical with popular software products, has experienced periodic updates to the software and the associated user
software manuals.
For the most recent TRACE 700 software version, Trane needed a partner who could implement the necessary changes to the manuals while providing the technical expertise and know-how to maximize accuracy, consistency, and user comprehension of the updated manuals. Trane also needed a partner who could provide ongoing support and enhancements when needed in the future. Trane selected The AVS Group based on the substantial experience AVS has in creating and updating Trane product
software manuals.
AVS was able to meet the requirements of this project due to the company’s years of experience in technical writing, updating, and copy editing technical
software manuals and documents for clients. AVS experience includes the completion of technical manuals for the HVAC, Dairy Farm Equipment, and Computer Manufacturing industries.
To facilitate this project, AVS developed a standardized process for content creation, graphic production, technical review, layout, copy editing, and printing. AVS worked with Trane to develop specific writing guidelines that would ensure a uniform style, layout, and reading level that is consistent with previous versions of the manuals. This is a significant consideration when updating manuals that customers have been using for a period of time. The objective is to create a new version which, from the user’s viewpoint, reads with the familiarity of having been written by the same person that wrote the previous versions.
AVS developed interfaces with Trane for data exchange, resolution of inconsistencies, and reviews, along with spreadsheet-based project plans and status. These spreadsheets were instrumental in keeping project participants informed on various aspects of the project, with progress through a complex series of reviews being of primary interest.
| 
