Better of Two

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Author Message (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 10:12 am:    100303 THE BETTER OF THE TWO……? by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH Heady question-- is it better to do nothing, or to do something, poorly? We are all susceptible to this dilemma in one way or another. It just came home in the last few days, in dealing with newly discussed manufactured products. We had some information via a presentation, but had been urged to use the web site of the base manufacturer. Adventure came to us in the form of our title question. One manufacturer [of a quality product we knew of and wanted more information about] had no specification Section on the site—Zippo! Merely used running dissertation about their product line and its various attributes [i.e., lots of test results, etc.]. Of course, they did want us to submit [along with 23 other questions] all the information about our project, yada, yada, yada!! And they would get back to us in 48 business hours! No, no, guys-- accessibility! The rep for the other product assured us that they had a “full CSI” spec Section on their web site-- he had no copies with him! Yep, there it was, a fully CSI spec-- but Crude, Sorrowful, and Ill-conceived! I wonder if they really want us to specify and buy their products or not? ? Looked like related info was imported via scatter-gun! Shame they have really missed the point and the wonderful opportunity to inform those seeking some information. Then it came to me! I would guess neither of these two companies, even with high status, good run of business and good products have ever been informed about, educated on, come to grips with or been approached about developing and presenting their product lines in a true CSI formatted specification Section! They simply don’t know! Some of their reps may even be members of CSI, but the information about what a good CSI-format spec can do in advertising, in technical product binders and web sites has never been thought of or about, broached or taken seriously. Now if you think of the hundreds/thousands of manufacturers [well beyond those listed in all sections of MasterSpec, for example-- and even wonder about them!] who contribute at least a portion of their product lines to the construction effort, you’d think they would try to address their situation and product in a manner conducive to use and informing. Even simple, innocuous things [let’s pick on “mirror clips”] are project fodder, come in a zillion shapes and size and functions and while a relatively small item in the manufacturer’s line and scheme of things, can be major items on the job site. They still warrant a good, well-developed, expertly prepared spec, with all the bells and whistles and correct formatting! Set out an appropriate line of specification Sections-- don’t try to put your entire line in one Section [using highly divergent products data]. Then too we need a giant strainer to sift through all the manufacturers' information--- they know too much about their products! Far more, of course, than what we need. And by the way, it doesn’t seem to be a good idea to plan on using ALL of their stuff in any BIM database, as it will tend to clog and overload the base with useless, irrelevant and thoroughly unnecessary information. There are some things about doors that we simply don’t need to know, even on projects sites or in their models. Think about it! This is not a rap on reps, but on manufacturers [who wish to sell products, we assume], and ad agencies who could greatly benefit [their service, image and professionalism] by taking this to heart. Direct access, information and ease of use are attributes that enhance sales! Costs are high and going higher so why not utilize the invaluable CSI format as both the industry standard for your line and also as a method to present your products in the best and most useable light? Use MasterSpecs to hone, refine and preen your data into true construction specifications! Make them easy to access [without a deposit of a right arm or pint of blood log-in], easier to use and truly informative-- write them as if you were seeking the information! Yo! CSI! Here’s another opportunity, direction and program that could well benefit from a strong outreach effort via conversation, presentation, information, discussion, implementation, and “selling” instruction for a great mutual benefit. How about looking to re-addressing it, with more punch and soon? One on one! Chapter on company! Reps on companies! Organization on national and international conglomerates! Benefit to the industry!