Product Descriptions CSC/CSI 3 Part Specifications Manufacturers’ Sales Tools Targeted to Design Consultants and Specifiers This website provides copies of all source documents.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN What are product descriptions? What are CSC/CSI 3 part specs? Why are they important? Why should I provide them? When do I use them?

Product Descriptions We define ‘Product Descriptions’ as: “A summary document of all the product information that will be included in a Project Manual.” It is characterized by: Being written in point form Following the CSC/CSI 3 part specification as outlined in ProductFORMAT, complementary to CSC/CSI MasterFORMAT standard. Containing all the information required for bidding purposes Being useful at all stages of the project development process from the conceptual stage to the final selection of the product of choice.

Product Descriptions Can be used by a large number of players from the conceptual stage of the project development process to final product selection. Significantly reduces the time of all players to find essential, relevant, information.

Product Descriptions What do the multiple users need? Just the facts man! Just the facts! No fuss; no marketing hype; no pretty pictures. But how? What?

Product Descriptions ProductFORMAT To the Rescue: The Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) format standard specifically developed for Product Descriptions. »Follows the same 3 part format as product specifications »Includes the same information available in specifications Ensures information can be found quickly, and efficiently.

Product Specifications A document developed for use in Project Manuals that has been standardized for content and format according to industry standards for the commercial construction industry. Is written according to industry consensus “Standards of Practice” and Format Standards developed for the commercial construction industry in US/Canada. Contains all the information required to build a structure when accompanied by the contract documents, drawings, and associated schedules. Used for bidding purposes. Is legally binding if litigation occurs.

Product Specifications: Standards of Practice Standards of Practice: A number of conventions that have voluntarily been accepted by the industry as “standards of practice” for the development of product specifications include: Language: the imperative mood Include only enforceable statements Adhere primarily to one of three approaches to writing specifications: Proprietary, Descriptive, and //////////.

Product Specifications: Format Standards “Everything in one location and one location only.” MasterFORMAT: Established numbered Divisions, Sections, and Subcategories that classify all activities and products for the development of specifications within a Project Manual. SectionFORMAT: Established the structure of each Section of the Product Specification into 3 parts, and the information to be included. PageFORMAT: Defines the page format to be used for each section of the Project Manual. All three consensus standards documents have been voluntarily developed jointly by: Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) in the United States

Why is this Important to Manufacturers? One Project Manual includes over 300 product specifications. Producing them is time consuming. Let your potential customers know you have a current, accurate product specification and they will use it. Wouldn’t you! Follow the rule: Use it once – use it twice! From your perspective, the more frequently your specification – which sets the bar for the quality of the materials that are acceptable for the project – is used, the more likely the specifier is to use your specification again. Thus increasing the odds that you will be the successful bidder.

Why is this Important to Manufacturers Risk management a priority? Of course it is! If litigation occurs, you have ensured that the information on your product is current, accurate, and comprehensive. Can the courts ask for more?

GETTING THE WORD OUT Product Descriptions and Specifications: integral to your Marketing Plan. Include them in hard cover product manuals. Hand them out to prospects on CD’s. Place them on your website. Use them in calls/presentations. Include them as part of your sales “tool box”. Advertise their availability in your brochures. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID

HOW CAN SPEX.CA HELP Your hosts at Spex.ca are: Digicon Information Incorporated And Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) CSC promotes standards of practice and education for key players in the commercial construction industry. Digicon Information develops and promotes excellence in document development for the commercial construction industry. Check us out at and Contact Geri Watson at Our Seal Program reassures specifiers that the information is current, accurate, and complete.