Inside IMS: Sianne Fraser

At IMS Evolve, the work behind the scenes is often as fascinating as the cutting-edge IoT solutions we provide. This month, we’re introducing Sianne, our talented Technical Author, who ensures that even the most complex technical concepts are crystal clear for our customers.

Sianne describes her role as translating technical jargon into accessible, user-friendly guides, online help, and documentation. “My days are all about learning and writing,” Sianne explains, though her work often stretches far beyond that. “I take the complicated, technical language used by our developers and experts and make it accessible to everyone. That might mean creating user guides, online help, or technical documents, but I also get involved in training, video editing, and managing our document systems.” Her adaptability is key in an environment where no two days are the same, and it’s a role that demands creativity, precision, and a willingness to keep learning, which is exactly what drew her to IMS.

Sianne’s love for writing has always been at the heart of her career. “I studied English Literature and Creative Writing at university, so I wanted to keep that passion alive in my work.” She initially started as a copywriter but soon found herself creating technical documentation. “When I began producing technical documentation, I realised how much I enjoyed it. I fell into the role from there.” Her search for a company that embraced advanced authoring and document management tools brought her to IMS in 2021, where she’s been thriving ever since.

Of course, being a technical author isn’t without its challenges, though. “You’ve got to get used to feeling like the least knowledgeable person in the room,” she admits with a laugh. “You’re there to learn from the experts, so of course, you’ll be the one asking the most questions, but you must embrace it. That’s how you grow in this role. Every so often, you’ll even ask something that makes the experts pause and rethink a process, and that’s a pretty great feeling.”

Despite those challenges, Sianne’s work makes a tangible difference to our customers. “People usually turn to online help or user guides when they’re stuck. I like to think that I can make their day a little better by helping them out. It’s a small thing, but it matters.” It’s this connection between her role and the customer experience that gives her work a sense of purpose.

She’s also proud of the impact she’s had internally at IMS, especially with her recent project to overhaul and update the company’s document management system. “It was a steep learning curve,” she recalls. “I had to get to grips with the new system and learn a ton of new skills, but seeing it launch successfully last month made it all worth it.”

Collaboration plays a big part in her day-to-day work, and Sianne appreciates the team dynamic at IMS. “I’m part of a team of report writers, and while our work doesn’t overlap much, we’re always there to help each other out. They’ve taught me SQL, and I’ve helped them document some of their processes - it’s a great balance of support and independence.”

Sianne’s role is a perfect example of how communication and creativity can transform technical challenges into user-friendly solutions. For her, IMS is as much about the people as the work. “Luckily, being a technical author means I get to meet and talk with so many people across the business. The best part about working here is definitely the people—they’re brilliant, and getting to know everyone has been so much fun.”

As technology evolves, so too does the role of a technical author. Sianne is quick to embrace these changes, particularly the opportunities brought by AI. “AI has already become a game-changer for me. I’ve used it to simplify my writing and even overcome writer’s block. I think it’s going to be an essential tool for technical authors, so staying on top of what it can do is really important.”

Her journey into technical authoring has taught her a lot, and she’s keen to pass on her simple but impactful advice to anyone starting in the field. “Don’t be shy. You need to get stuck in and talk to people across the business – it’s part of the job. It might be intimidating at first, but it helps you grow more confident, and that’s invaluable.”

When she’s not refining user guides or mastering new technologies, Sianne’s creative side shines in her hobbies. “As you can probably guess, I love reading,” she says. “Fantasy, science fiction, classics, comics – I’ll give anything a go. But I also love trying my hand at crafts and unusual skills. I’ve done day-courses on woodturning, throwing pots, forging knives – all sorts!”

With her curiosity, adaptability, and passion for her craft, Sianne is not just a key part of the IMS team – she’s proof of the value of turning complexity into clarity, one guide at a time.