IDMS application documentation made easy

This report is written for the knowledgeable IDMS user to describe the methods and standards adopted by the EMIS section for the continuing documentation of the IDMS-based Engineering Management Information System. The methods and standards developed are based around using the Cullinet IDMS Integrated Data Dictionary (IDD) facility to maintain system documentation as an integral part of the system software. The documentation procedures described represent a relatively pain-free way to maintain system documentation and provide for complete, quality-assured documentation that is kept up-to-date as the application evolves. It also provides a readily available storehouse of system information which is useful for training new staff members, providing information needed for system enhancements, and for providing for users technical consultation on system functions.