Using Modern Technology for Better Construction Specifications

September of 2021, in response to the architecture and engineering (A&E) industry’s need for a more efficient, modern tool to develop construction specifications, Deltek in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), launched the revolutionary next generation specification management solution, Deltek Specpoint. Specpoint provides numerous efficiencies to the specification process, but also digitizes AIA MasterSpec® by delivering the industry renowned guide specifications in a modern intelligent digital format, instead of unintelligent Microsoft Word documents.

Throughout the past 2-years, Deltek has been helping customers adopt Specpoint and setting the stage to discontinue publishing MasterSpec updates in Microsoft Word file format. Beginning in 2024, updates to MasterSpec content will only be made available digitally via Deltek Specpoint. The MasterSpec Q4 2023 quarterly update, scheduled for release in late December 2023 will be the last release that can be downloaded as standalone Word documents. Deltek will continue to update MasterSpec on the same cadence you have come to trust, but you will simply access the updated specifications directly from Deltek Specpoint. MasterSpec Q4 2023 Word files will be available for download through June 2024.

Top 5 Reasons A&E Firms Prefer Specpoint

Now that MasterSpec is delivered in a digital format via Specpoint, it brings a wealth of advancement to the process of developing construction specifications. Here are the top five reasons A&E firms chose Specpoint:

1. Access the most up-to-date AIA MasterSpec content in a dynamic format
2. Research, select and specify the right products with Specpoint's 50,000 plus building products listings, including sustainable products.
3. Enhance team collaboration with a more iterative process
4. Improve efficiency and reduce risk using software automation to produce better quality specifications and project manuals
5. Leverage a modern assembly-based approach to improve spec accuracy and reduce costly change orders and RFIs

“Writing specifications can take a lot of time, which is why it’s important to take advantage of software to make things easier.”

– Eugene Ninnie, Senior Structural Project Engineer with Jorgensen

What Does This Mean for MasterSpec Users?

If you have not already migrated to Specpoint, MasterSpec users will receive access to Deltek Specpoint at no additional cost at renewal. With Specpoint, you can digitally transform your specification authoring process and ensure you have the latest version of MasterSpec and building product manufacturing content for your projects. In addition, you no longer need to download and manage separate Microsoft Word files for MasterSpec. You will automatically always have the most up-to-date content right in Specpoint and can easily export your specifications to Microsoft Word if needed.

Change Brings Questions – Deltek is Here to Help

As your firm is using Deltek Specpoint, we know you will have questions. Deltek is here to help answer those questions and assist you along in your Specpoint journey. To get started, we’ve pulled together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, our Deltek Specification Solutions Customer Success Team is happy to help get you the information you need.

• What does this mean for my firm and projects I have in progress using MasterSpec?
  We realize you may have projects in progress using AIA MasterSpec. We encourage you to complete those projects using the MasterSpec (Word) and start new projects in Deltek Specpoint. It is easy to get started with Specpoint and Deltek has tools and resources available in the Specpoint Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and the Specpoint Onboarding Team to help your teams create their first project in Specpoint.
• How do I get Specpoint? As an existing MasterSpec user, you have access to Specpoint at no additional charge when you renew your existing product subscription. If you want to start using Specpoint before renewal, just contact the Deltek Specification Solutions Customer Success Team and they can get you started today.
• What resources are available to help me transition to Specpoint?
  To make a smooth transition to Deltek Specpoint, Deltek has created a number of user-friendly tools and resources to help you easily create your first projects and specification packages with Deltek Specpoint.
• Accessed directly from within the Deltek Specpoint application software:
  • In-app guidance to provide quick learning and insight to new product features and enhancements
  • Tutorials and access to all-inclusive self-serve Specpoint product training videos
  • Comprehensive Specpoint Customer Assistance Program (CAP) with a variety of learning aids, resources, and FAQ documents to answer your questions
  Contact the Specpoint Onboarding Team to help you transition to Specpoint and assist with starting your first project
• Who can I contact if I have questions about adopting Specpoint or accessing available learning resources? Please contact the Deltek Specification Solutions Customer Success Team for assistance.

Specpoint’s Project Overview provides a review of your project details, design progress and enables you to easily collaborate with the project team members.

Deltek’s Commitment

We are committed to delivering industry leading project-based solutions to power your projects. Better software means better projects and Specpoint is evidence of Deltek’s commitment to leverage technology to gain specification efficiencies, improve quality and use your firm’s inherent knowledge to make data driven decisions to deliver better-built projects.