Art Hoffmann

Technical Writer

Qualifications and Career Highlights

25 years of experience with computerautomated control systems

Process control and data acquisition software documentation

Industrial equipment installation and maintenance manuals
System operation and regulatory compliance training

Computer software and hardware components

Analog and digital data interfaces

Data storage subsystems
Network communications protocols

Applying technology for efficiency and quality

Adopted new software tools and digital imaging for document production
Created standardized templates for documents and drawings
Developed a knowledgebase for document access

Professional Experience
Technical Writer, FMC Technologies, Current Position
Create and maintain documentation for industrial control software applications. FMC
Technologies (FMCTI) manufactures automated control systems used by oil industry leaders
such as Conoco Philips, Shell, Petrobras, and ENI. The systems use redundant industrial
computers to operate oil production equipment in deep ocean installations. Software logic
automates the operation of valves, pumps, and other components. Operators use animated
display screens to monitor production processes in real time. The system also collects, analyzes
and archives operation data.
The software applications are also used by Alyeska, KinderMorgan and OneOK for pipeline
control, Chevron for oil terminal operation, and the City of Phoenix for their water treatment
system.
A wide variety of document types are required to support software development, provide
installation and operation procedures for field technicians, and assist customer support. The
document types include:
1

Installation and upgrade instructions These documents contain procedures for installing and
configuring software applications and workstation hardware, upgrading to new software
releases, and tuning system performance.
Application notes These documents describe the software applications and configuring the
software interface to data protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, Quantum, and Modicon.
User guides These documents contain instructions and examples for using software
application features and functions.
Software release notes These documents provide information on software developer
changes, bug fixes and added functions related to product releases.
Target audiences for these documents include system operators, process engineers, and field
technicians. All documents are created and formatted using Microsoft Word.

Related Experience
The following past positions contributed to my experience with automated control systems.

Documentation Supervisor, Disposable Waste Systems

Managed a small publications team producing operation and maintenance manuals for
automated equipment used in wastewater treatment plants. Our customers were generally
public utilities, however, the equipment was also used in other industries. My duties included
reviewing customer requirements for documentation submittals to architectural and
engineering consultants for approval.
Technical Writer/Trainer, KVB Inc.
Produced operation and maintenance manuals for automated gas sampling and analysis
systems related to regulatory compliance with the Clean Air Act. My prior experience at this
company led to working with the marketing group to design a new standard proposal
document. Later, I provided training for power plant engineers and operators all over the
United States and Canada.

Education and Training

Bachelor of Science, Communication Arts California Polytechnic University, Pomona
Training for work process analysis and management techniques Professional Management
Association

Professional Association
Society for Technical Communication Programs Chair, Orange County Chapter