How would a typical template work

In this broad example, individual topics will be authored separately for each item of each service lifecycle phase. Empty topic skeletons (templates) will be available for authors to elaborate how their own organizations conceive and implement each of these items.

Each of the above topics can link to detailed task topics that specify the implementation of underlying procedures and work instructions. Also, these topics can be prepared ahead as skeleton templates.

Next, a map (or a composite topic) would be constructed for each function or process that belong to the lifecycle phase.

Finally, an overall map would be constructed to contain all the lifecycle phases (as nested maps), thus containing an overall descripton of the organizational specification of its ITIL functions and processes implementation.

The added values of DITA-based specification templates

Following is a summary of the potential added values in case of this example:

Procedure and work instruction topics, the lowest level in this hierarchy, will be easily maintained and updated.
Procedures and work instructions can be arranged in arbitrary ways to meet the work requirements of different service management entities in the organization.
Higher level maps can also be arranged and published in several ways to meet organizational requirements.
All generated output can be "identically" (re)published in PDF, HTML, or WebHelp formats; upon updating a topic or a map, without needing to edit any other topic (information unit) other than the ones concerned.
Minor updates to a standards version can be easily accomodated. Major updates will build upon the established authoring conventions and will be easier and less costly to document and maintain.

An example template for specifying ITIL functions and processes

Service Strategy

Financial Management

Introduction
Basic concepts
Activities
Inputs and outputs

Service portfolio management

Introduction
Basic concepts
Activities
Inputs and outputs

Financial Management

Introduction
Basic concepts
Activities
Inputs and outputs

Demand Management

Introduction
Basic concepts
Activities
Inputs and outputs

Service Design

. . .

Service Transition

. . .

Service Operation

. . .

Continual Service Improvement

. . .

Parent topic: ITSM P&P templates Previous topic: ITSM P&P templates