CSI, Who?

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

Author Message Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1379 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - 08:16 am:    130329 CSI, WHO? by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Cincinnati, Ohio Those of us, who are CSI members, well know the expertise, dedication and direction of the organization and the individual members-- whether design professionals, or manufacturers’ representatives. All of us may not know all the ins and outs of CSI, but there are some who have virtually dedicated their lives and efforts to the group and have overseen its correct development. But one rather glaring aspect is left quite open and really not given proper attention. CSI is not all that well known to the remainder of the construction industry. Our products are pooh-poohed and collectively dismissed as busy work, impediments to project development and needlessly intrusive. Overall, quite misunderstood! This needs direct remedy, now, to correct the perception[s] and to move CSI, its members and expertise to the correct, higher level-- as an industry- wide resources and efforte of both assistance and far-sightedness! Advertising for specific programs of CSI is not the sole source of exposure that we need. We need explanations of what we do, why, the impact [and assistance we offer] and how project requirements can be made clear, fair, and easily achieved in a controlled atmosphere. We need to tell our whole story and not merely pick away at certain efforts we employ. We also need help in portraying the connection between us and other organizations and companies. The use of CSI Section formats for guide specs from the manufacturers will help get the correct information to buyers ad users, as well as references to CSi in advertising, etc. where the direct connection can be illustrated and embraced. Sort of mutual aid and in current terms. The use of massive and overly complex sample specifications and including too much rather irrelevant information does not produce direct use and quite often is so complex as to “turn off” designers and users [all of the seemingly information le from manufacturers is not necessary to write a good specification]. CSI needs to expand and has a new foresight that it is beginning to pursue. Telling the background story is a necessity to set in place a correct overview of the intent, service[s], and expertise that the organization has and makes available t the industry collectively. CSI is on the cusp of making new efforts and markedly expanding its outreach, services and influence [not to overwhelm others, but to assist, aid and inform], to serve the construction industry in a more meaningful manner. But in so doing CSI seems well advised to open itself by telling its whole story and not piecemeal its resources one by one. Of course, CSI’s programs are intertwined [but expanding] and can provide comprehensive assistance where needed or requested by others. Without knowing the whole story of CSI, it can be passed off too easily based solely on the snippets of information or the perception others hold, based on limited of fictitious information. Getting the story of the “state of the art” information out to the entire industry is crucial. It is necessary to overcome fragments of information and other incorrect information. CSI is progressive and is showing even greater strides to updating and expansion. “CSI—Building Knowledge Improving Project Delivery” is quite a story. Let’s tell it, far and wide in new forms and locations!