Spec Book Pro Blog

Quality Assurance for Interior Design Specifications

One of our clients made a great suggestion recently. After considering the alternatives, we added a new section to the the Main menu of Spec Book Pro entitled

Quality Assurance for Project

There are currently four options:

    Enter Data for Specs with No Details
    Enter Data for Specs with No Image
    Enter Data for Specs with No Quantity or Price
    Enter Data for Specs with No Sources

"Enter Data for Specs with No Details" selects all the specs that have no descriptive data entered for the item. For example, a Chair might have the following attributes for data entry:

Dimensions
Finish
Seat Height
Seat Depth
Arm Height
COM Required
COM Reference

If no data has been entered in these data fields, selecting "Enter Data for Specs with No Details" would find that spec and all specs missing that kind of data. With this list, the designer can go into each spec and add the necessary information.

"Enter Data for Specs with No Image" lists all the specs without an image

Likewise, "Enter Data for Specs with No Quantity or Price" finds the specs without Quantity or Price, and "Enter Data for Specs with No Sources" retrieves specs without a Manufacturer and Rep Firm included.

These enhancements are designed to

1- increase the productivity of interior designers, and

2 - reduce the possibility of ommissions in specs sent to clients and purchasing.

Continuous improvement makes Spec Book Pro more valuable in these tough times. Please add any suggestions in the comments below.

Incomplete Specifications

Source: Benjamin West Projects

The Perils of Incomplete Specifications – By Debbie Harris, ISHP

Incomplete specifications are the bane of every purchasing agent who realizes that a lack of attention to manufacturing details may require costly corrective measures. Whatever the reason for receipt of abbreviated written specifications – time constraints, inexperience, etc. – it is the purchasing agent’s duty to be familiar enough with the products being purchased to spot the omission and to clarify all pertinent details prior to issuing the first purchase order.

The purchasing agent should closely monitor any discussions between designers and suppliers that take place after issuance of written specifications. Purchasers need to be aware of any agreed-upon details between designer and vendor that would cause the existing specifications to become incorrect or incomplete. Typically, the designer will issue a specification revision, however, this is not always the case. It is important that specifications fully reflect the designer’s design intent, or it is possible that miscommunication between vendor and designer will become translated into the manufacture of a product that is unacceptable or disappointing. By facilitating and participating in communications between designers and vendors, the purchasing agent is always aware of when specification revisions are required and will see to it that they are received.