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Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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Just the facts
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Why it matters
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ARCOM produces MasterSpec for the AIA.
MasterSpec is a master specification system for architects and engineers who serve the construction industry and includes a list of building product Manufacturers that have been evaluated by ARCOM as producing a product that meets the minimum requirements of a respective product type within a section. MasterSpec users use this list as a beginning point and often reduce this list during the "research and cutdown stage" of the section editing process based on their own evaluations and research to provide their own selections to the contractor as part of the contract documents.
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Why it matters
- MasterSpec market share stats
- Sections are used as a beginning point for editing
- Following the writers cutdown to a final list of approved manufacturers, manufacturers must go through a difficult "substitution process" to get back into a project.
More Information:
ARCOM
MasterSpec
See a sample MasterSpec section
Understanding the specification process
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The MasterSpec section text is used in conjunction with the SpecAgent companion browser.
This browser opens with each MasterSpec section and assists with a range of research tasks and includes an "Evaluation Shelf" that allows specifiers to quickly find the most up to date information on the manufacturers listed in MasterSpec, drag and drop their selections, and a one click update so that the "cutdown list" can be updated in the section text. Each personalized list of selections remains available as a starting point for the specifier's future projects.
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- First source
- Used to send writer to a range of different websites for research, now done through SA |
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The SpecAgent "Listing Management Portal" allows manufacturers to apply to be listed in MasterSpec and manage their contact information.
MasterSpec users utilize this contact information during the research and cut down stage of the section editing process. These listings contain basic contact details and a single web address for all product listed by the manufacturer throughout MasterSpec.
- Product evaluations and listings are a free service provided to manufacturers
- Sections are updated on a 2 to 5 years cycle and all manufacturers are reviewed at that time. Newly approved manufacturers are immediately updated in the SpecAgent companion browser and can by imported into the section text by MasterSpec users. |
- If you are already listed in MS, you can captue listings and administer
- New listings
- See status of all products submitted |
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SpecAgent provides Enhanced Listings for Manufacturers that organize the specific information MasterSpec users would otherwise have to search for on each individual manufacturer website during the "research and cutdown stage" of the section editing process.
Even though an enhanced listing is a fee based service, manufacturers must still make a product the meets the same requirements required of manufacturers listed for free.
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- Manufacturers who organize this information significantly reduce the research time required and are more likely to survive the "cutdown" process and make it into the final specification. |
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ARCOM can provide custom written Product MasterSpec sections for manufacturers.
Manufacturers work with an ARCOM writer on customizing an existing copyrighted MasterSpec section text to favor the manufacturers products. Typically, the manufacturer becomes the “Basis of Design”. Because the Product MasterSpec is formatted and uses MasterSpec standards and protocols, the specifier can substitute it in place of the standard MasterSpec document.
Product MasterSpec "alternative sections" are distributed by the Manufacturer and are available of the ARCOM website. Product MasterSpec licensees who also have an Enhanced Listing can make these sections available through SpecAgent as well.
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Product MasterSpec is an excellent option when;
- Makes a product that does not meet the specific requirements to be listed.
- Makes a product with quality and durability features that are not referenced in the existing section text, and wishes to add evaluation criteria to focuses on theses "differentiators".
- Makes a product which does not a have product type within MasterSpec. |
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ARCOM has formed a strategic alliance with SpecGuy to provide a range of expert services designed to assist the manufacturer in succeeding within the specification process. These include custom written proprietary specs, guide specs, and lunch and learn programs.
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