Technology in Architectural Practice

Hi All,

I'm looking into different specification applications that are on the market, which primarily focus on a MasterFormat style of specifications. Currently this is what I've been able to find:

• SpecLink
• SpecPoint
• Chalkline VisiSpecs
• Conspectus

Some features I'm looking for are:

• Ease of usability - how "clicky" is it. The less clicks the better. How easy is it to read, update, add, and delete sections. Can custom master specs be easily uploaded and referenced
• Ease of collaboration - can a designer and spec writer get into the specs and collaboratively leave ask questions, leave comments, track progress and more
• Cloud based - not a must but a nice to have
• Secure - ability to keep data confidential. Measures to mitigate ransomware
• API - nice to have an api to help extend or automate certain tasks
• BIM integration - ability to connect to 3D models and 2D drawing to help keep the specs and model / drawings in sync with one another
• Customer support - ease of firm wide rollout, customization if needed

If you have used any of these, can you share your thoughts on the above? Pros and Cons. 
Thank you.

I've listed links below to some of my research

• Choosing the Right Specification Software for an Architecture of Interiors Firm
• Specifications Writing
• Spec writing

I found a few others that are more in line with interiors scheduling for FF&E but don't quite conform to the MasterFormat style of specifications. 

• Programa - seems to be more more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• Designer Pages Pro - seems to be more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• dRofus
• Specsources

Hi All,

I'm looking into different specification applications that are on the market, which primarily focus on a MasterFormat style of specifications. Currently this is what I've been able to find:

• SpecLink
• SpecPoint
• Chalkline VisiSpecs
• Conspectus

Some features I'm looking for are:

• Ease of usability - how "clicky" is it. The less clicks the better. How easy is it to read, update, add, and delete sections. Can custom master specs be easily uploaded and referenced
• Ease of collaboration - can a designer and spec writer get into the specs and collaboratively leave ask questions, leave comments, track progress and more
• Cloud based - not a must but a nice to have
• Secure - ability to keep data confidential. Measures to mitigate ransomware
• API - nice to have an api to help extend or automate certain tasks
• BIM integration - ability to connect to 3D models and 2D drawing to help keep the specs and model / drawings in sync with one another
• Customer support - ease of firm wide rollout, customization if needed

If you have used any of these, can you share your thoughts on the above? Pros and Cons. 
Thank you.

I've listed links below to some of my research

• Choosing the Right Specification Software for an Architecture of Interiors Firm
• Specifications Writing
• Spec writing

I found a few others that are more in line with interiors scheduling for FF&E but don't quite conform to the MasterFormat style of specifications. 

• Programa - seems to be more more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• Designer Pages Pro - seems to be more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• dRofus
• Specsources

Hello Charles!

There is a great thread over on 4specs that discusses current spec software options: http://discus.4specs.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?23/9834 

Note that e-specs mentioned in another comment is no longer offered; Deltek is transitioning all to Specpoint software, which uses AIA MasterSpec content. 

I would suggest a demo from each company for you to compare and ask questions to find the right fit for your firm!

Happy to chat more, feel free to message or email me with further questions! mfontenot@conspectusinc.com

Hi All,

I'm looking into different specification applications that are on the market, which primarily focus on a MasterFormat style of specifications. Currently this is what I've been able to find:

• SpecLink
• SpecPoint
• Chalkline VisiSpecs
• Conspectus

Some features I'm looking for are:

• Ease of usability - how "clicky" is it. The less clicks the better. How easy is it to read, update, add, and delete sections. Can custom master specs be easily uploaded and referenced
• Ease of collaboration - can a designer and spec writer get into the specs and collaboratively leave ask questions, leave comments, track progress and more
• Cloud based - not a must but a nice to have
• Secure - ability to keep data confidential. Measures to mitigate ransomware
• API - nice to have an api to help extend or automate certain tasks
• BIM integration - ability to connect to 3D models and 2D drawing to help keep the specs and model / drawings in sync with one another
• Customer support - ease of firm wide rollout, customization if needed

If you have used any of these, can you share your thoughts on the above? Pros and Cons. 
Thank you.

I've listed links below to some of my research

• Choosing the Right Specification Software for an Architecture of Interiors Firm
• Specifications Writing
• Spec writing

I found a few others that are more in line with interiors scheduling for FF&E but don't quite conform to the MasterFormat style of specifications. 

• Programa - seems to be more more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• Designer Pages Pro - seems to be more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• dRofus
• Specsources

Though ARCAT isn't a spec editing software, it does facilitate product selection via its vast libraries of product information and data files (CAD, BIM, proprietary 3-part guide specifications).  For those who have yet to try it, ARCAT is free, comprehensive, and there are no registration requirements.  ARCAT indexes the contents of over 500 manufacturers' websites, and provides exclusive configuration/spec tools such as Outline and Short Form Specs, and its patented SpecWizard.  Most every frequently specified brand has content on the site, and we're always taking requests.  www.arcat.com.

Hello Charles!

There is a great thread over on 4specs that discusses current spec software options: http://discus.4specs.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?23/9834 

Note that e-specs mentioned in another comment is no longer offered; Deltek is transitioning all to Specpoint software, which uses AIA MasterSpec content. 

I would suggest a demo from each company for you to compare and ask questions to find the right fit for your firm!

Happy to chat more, feel free to message or email me with further questions! mfontenot@conspectusinc.com

Hi All,

I'm looking into different specification applications that are on the market, which primarily focus on a MasterFormat style of specifications. Currently this is what I've been able to find:

• SpecLink
• SpecPoint
• Chalkline VisiSpecs
• Conspectus

Some features I'm looking for are:

• Ease of usability - how "clicky" is it. The less clicks the better. How easy is it to read, update, add, and delete sections. Can custom master specs be easily uploaded and referenced
• Ease of collaboration - can a designer and spec writer get into the specs and collaboratively leave ask questions, leave comments, track progress and more
• Cloud based - not a must but a nice to have
• Secure - ability to keep data confidential. Measures to mitigate ransomware
• API - nice to have an api to help extend or automate certain tasks
• BIM integration - ability to connect to 3D models and 2D drawing to help keep the specs and model / drawings in sync with one another
• Customer support - ease of firm wide rollout, customization if needed

If you have used any of these, can you share your thoughts on the above? Pros and Cons. 
Thank you.

I've listed links below to some of my research

• Choosing the Right Specification Software for an Architecture of Interiors Firm
• Specifications Writing
• Spec writing

I found a few others that are more in line with interiors scheduling for FF&E but don't quite conform to the MasterFormat style of specifications. 

• Programa - seems to be more more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• Designer Pages Pro - seems to be more appropriate for FF&E scheduling
• dRofus
• Specsources