Why Choose MasterSpec Over SpecLink?

Amid the intricate dynamics of the building design process, where every detail counts, specifications support the vision of architects, engineers and construction professionals. Creating comprehensive construction documents is a formidable challenge for A&E firms as they contend with changes during construction, resulting in additional costs for materials, labor and project delays.

According to the Deltek 45th Clarity A&E Industry Study, 54% of A&E firms cite the time required to produce a complete specification package as their greatest challenge.

Don't settle for less than AIA MasterSpec® as part of Deltek Specpoint, the premier guide specification and software tool trusted by leading design firms.

Navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance and material selection with ease. You can stay ahead of evolving building codes and drive sustainable design practices by leveraging real-time industry insights. MasterSpec doesn't just help you meet current needs but positions your projects for enduring success, ensuring precision and excellence in every specification.

Leading design firms prefer MasterSpec vs SpecLink due to its extensive database of master specifications. With over 900 content sections, MasterSpec ensures detailed and precise construction project specifications for building components, systems, and materials.

Here are five reasons why leading architecture and engineering firms chose MasterSpec over SpecLink:

Jeanne S. Tebera, PE, CFPS, Principal and Senior Electrical Engineer at HENRY ADAMS, LLC, selected MasterSpec over SpecLink to ease the burden of researching code updates, particularly for team members who are less knowledgeable in that area.

MasterSpec, a construction specifications library, offers standardized specifications while allowing customization to meet the unique needs of different construction projects. Architects and engineers can modify specifications for specific materials, methods or project type.

Jeanne shares, "The added benefit of editor's notes and supporting documents fosters a nuanced understanding of specifications, providing valuable insights for experienced and novice spec writers."

Jeanne collaborates with the MasterSpec Engineering Review Committee (MERC), engaging in peer reviews of new MasterSpec sections and those slated for significant updates. Jeanne's committee oversees the peer review of the electrical, electronic safety, and security divisions. Jeanne adds, "This peer-reviewed approach ensures the specifications are accurate and reflect the collective wisdom and experience of seasoned professionals, contributing to MasterSpec's reputation as a gold standard in the industry."

The AIA review committees collaborate closely with the Deltek specification writing team of experts to help ensure the specification sections in these divisions stay current.

MasterSpec is not just a master database; it sets high standards for materials and quality. This commitment ensures the durability of construction projects, fostering a culture of excellence in the industry. MasterSpec contributes to the success and longevity of construction projects by providing a benchmark for the quality of materials used.

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Lisa Lewis, Project Management Assistant from SSOE, selected MasterSpec instead of SpecLink, allowing the team to focus on creating accurate specifications without getting bogged down in technical complexities. They required software incorporating industry-standard MasterSpec content to ensure their specifications aligned with current codes, regulations, and best practices, thus mitigating liability risks.

By utilizing the thirty-four distinct divisions within the MasterSpec library, the SSOE team can easily tailor building specification content to meet their projects' specific requirements and provide more detailed design documentation to contractors.

Lisa shares that the Deltek software development team's expertise in architecture and engineering is evident in how well the software addresses the unique challenges of developing specifications. The software for spec writing not only supports their efficient workflow but also ensures successful project outcomes.

SSOE selected MasterSpec because Deltek, a strategic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), employs in-house design professionals who actively monitor industry standards, regulations and best practices, providing continuous updates to keep MasterSpec current. As AIA's sole construction software partner, this strategic relationship and ongoing commitment to maintaining current and relevant specifications were crucial factors in SSOE's decision.

With MasterSpec as part of Deltek Specpoint's building specification software, the combination of the gold standard guide specification coupled with Specpoint allows architects, engineers, design professionals and construction teams to create high-quality building specifications and streamline the development of project manuals.

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Since Carlos Murrieta, Principal and Co-Founder at Merge Architectural Group, selected MasterSpec over BSD SpecLink, his project team has significantly streamlined the research and selection of products with access to over 50,000 manufacturer product listings, including products that provide unbiased, objective information vetted by AIA-sponsored architectural and engineering review committees. This information includes a concise product description highlighting its purpose, features, functionalities, detailed technical specifications and manufacturer contact information.

With MasterSpec as part of Deltek Specpoint, Carlos and his team automate repetitive tasks, use consistent templates based on industry best practices and benefit from auto-populating product information. By leveraging intelligent database capabilities, they streamline the specification workflows, saving time, reducing errors and ensuring project consistency and compliance.

Jorgensen Engineering, a full service engineering firm, chose MasterSpec over SpecLink because it provides their clients with robust project documentation that meets their expectations. MasterSpec offers clear and comprehensive details about project requirements and minimizes misunderstandings, leading to a smoother construction process.

It's crucial to Jorgensen to involve their clients in developing specifications throughout the design and construction process. This involvement with clients includes attentively listening to their needs and preferences, integrating their feedback, and delivering a thorough and precise specification package that meets their project requirements and expectations.

With a well-crafted specification, the customer understands the project scope, product selections and quality standards. This ensures a smoother construction process and reduces the likelihood of errors and disputes during project execution. When a customer has a list of certain paints, textures and specific requirements for the manufacturer, it is easy toincorporate that information into Specpoint, Home of AIA MasterSpec.

This approach to efficient spec writing enhances project clarity and fosters stronger relationships with clients. Providing content suitable for engineering firms like Jorgensen demonstrates their commitment to transparency and quality.

Kim Piety, Specifications Manager at Rogers, Lovelock & Fritz, chose Deltek Specpoint, Home of AIA MasterSpec, for its integration with Autodesk Revit®. This enables architects to bypass the time-consuming task of manually synchronizing specifications.

Many architects and design teams find keeping drawings and specs in sync challenging. When drawings and specs don't match, it can significantly impact a construction project. Misalignments may lead to confusion, errors and rework during the construction phase, resulting in increased costs and delays and affecting the overall efficiency and success of the project.

With specification software like Deltek Specpoint, architects experience a streamlined workflow, ensuring smooth coordination between the specifications and the BIM model. The software's integration with Autodesk Revit® synchronizes specs and designs as changes unfold. The connection between specifications and design helps assess the impact of design changes, enhancing accuracy and improving coordination and communication among team members.

As product innovations and industry standards evolve, architectural and engineering firms can access up-to-date product details directly within cloud technology as part of Deltek Specpoint, eliminating the need to search individual manufacturer websites. This cloud technology, featuring an intelligent database, streamlines the product selection process, minimizes errors and ensures that specified products align with the design intent and industry standards, setting a new benchmark for project efficiency and accuracy.

MasterSpec, as part of Deltek Specpoint, an all-in-one specification and design automation tool, is transforming the building industry with its standardized specifications and trusted reference standards. With a cloud-based, centralized specification platform, it streamlines construction specs for design teams. By accelerating research, simplifying knowledge-building, and optimizing workflows for current and future projects, MasterSpec empowers design professionals to innovate, bring designs to life and deliver accurate specifications for project plans. As the most comprehensive construction and architecture software, it sets a new benchmark for accurate specification writing in the construction industry.

How Specification Software Can Help

With Deltek Specpoint, Home of AIA MasterSpec®, you can make smarter product decisions and write accurate specifications with ease. How much more successful could your projects be with the right software?

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