Structuring a manual - trying to make it easy for everyone

[Carlon Peterson <cpeterso -at- komo -dot- com>]

Hello all,

I just joined the list today.  I am a 'new' technical writer and have been 
tagged to re-structure some manuals for equipment we build.

We build a variety of machines for the metalworking industry, wood, 
plastics, and any other material that can be cut.  Many of the machines we 
build are custom - few machines are identical.  Some (emphasis on some) 
portions of the machine are modular - in other words we use the same sub 
assembly on different machines.  Engineering changes occur on these sub 
assemblies probably on an annual basis.

I hope I have given enough background info to a lay audience without 
causing confusion.  My questions are:

Is there any guide that can help setup a documentation structure that can 
'follow' changes made to a 'part'?
How can I setup a manual to be modular - to make it easy for us to assemble 
- and keep it organized so it is 'user friendly'?
Are there any good books on this topic?

I am using Microsoft Word97 - I have expiremented with the Master Document, 
sub document format.  It seems to crash on me when I work with many 
different sub documents through the Master.

I am looking for general guidance.  You are welcome to e-mail me direct if 
you feel the info would 'overload' the list.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Carlon Peterson
Komo Machine, Inc.

cpeterso -at- komo -dot- com