What is BS EN 16714:2020?

BS EN 16714:2020 is a technical standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that addresses specific requirements for writing within the field of technical communication. This standard aims to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy in technical documents, enhancing their usability and effectiveness.

The importance of BS EN 16714:2020

In today's world, effective communication is crucial, especially within technical industries where complex information needs to be conveyed accurately to various audiences. BS EN 16714:2020 provides guidelines and best practices for technical writers, enabling them to create high-quality documents that are easy to understand and follow.

This standard covers a wide range of aspects related to technical writing, including terminology, document structure, language usage, and formatting. Compliance with BS EN 16714:2020 ensures that technical documents are consistent and coherent, regardless of the writer or intended audience.

BS EN 16714:2020 key requirements

Terminology: The standard emphasizes the use of clear and unambiguous terminology. Technical writers should define and standardize terms to avoid confusion and improve understanding.

Document structure: BS EN 16714:2020 outlines a standardized structure for technical documents, including sections such as introduction, body, conclusion, and references. This helps readers navigate through the content more easily.

Language usage: The standard promotes the use of plain language, avoiding jargon, acronyms, and complex sentence structures. This ensures that documents are accessible to a wider audience and reduces potential misinterpretation.

Formatting: BS EN 16714:2020 provides guidelines for consistent formatting, including font styles, headings, bullet points, tables, and graphs. These visual elements enhance readability and facilitate the absorption of information.

Benefits of BS EN 16714:2020 compliance

Complying with BS EN 16714:2020 offers several benefits for both technical writers and readers. Firstly, it improves the overall quality of technical documents, enhancing their credibility and professionalism. Secondly, it ensures that information is presented in a clear and logical manner, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or errors.

BS EN 16714:2020 also promotes collaboration and harmonization among technical writers by providing a common framework and language. This facilitates document exchange, revision, and translation processes within organizations or across different industries.

Ultimately, BS EN 16714:2020 helps bridge the gap between technical experts and non-technical readers by enabling effective communication and comprehension. By following this technical standard, writers can create documents that are informative, user-friendly, and meet the needs of diverse audiences.