NBS Create - Specifications from each discipline throughout the project timeline

I've been demonstrating NBS Create a little bit recently and it's fantastic to see the software now with all of the content libraries. This now means quantity surveyors, architects, service engineers, structural engineers and landscape architects can all work on specifications in the same way throughout the project timeline. Some screen-shots below to demonstrate this (click on the images for a bigger view).

Update - see my recent article on theNBS.com:
- https://www.thenbs.com/topics/designSpecification/articles/nbsCreateAndLevel2BIM.asp

1. Project Management
The first screenshot below shows (what could be) the quantity surveyor working on the project management content. The section open is Works Contract Procurement and a clause detailing tender requirements is being edited. It should be noted that certain sections can be written prior to the contract being chosen and other sections are relevant to the specific contract and procurement method (traditional, partnership, design and build...).

2. Architecture

The screenshot below shows what could be an architect specifying an Internal Partition System from the architecture library. What is worth pointing out here is that the clauses shown are to do with the overall performance requirements of the system in terms of structural, acoustic and fire performance. The user can now use NBS to write true performance specifications without specifying the materials. This is perfect for contractor-led design procurement where the client wants certainty on performance.

3. Service Engineering

NBS is not just about architecture, but since 2003 we have had a dedicated internal team of construction professionals that publishe mechanical and electrical engineering content. The screenshot below shows an Intruder Alarm System. The clauses on display are specifying the requirements upon system completion by the contractor. This details how the system performance will be tested and what spares/maintenance are required.

4. Structural Engineering

For the first time, NBS now has a dedicated structural content library. The screenshot below shows a Reinforced Concrete Foundation System and the clauses on display are specifying the workmanship that is required in terms of laying and testing the concrete. As always with NBS, the latest standards and references are cited and these are maintained by the NBS technical staff.

5. Landscape Architecture

The final screenshot shows landscape architecture content. On display is the manufacturer products that have been specified to complete the slab paving system. It goes without saying that on top of the performance, completion and workmanship content, at the end of the day it is construction products that are finally installed. The visual view of the specification editor shows the relationship between the clauses. Also on the display is the detail that a specifier can go to. Not only are the natural stone slabs and other main products specified, but also the smaller products such as herbicides and even skateboard deterrent studs( :) !).

So, it's a product we're all very proud of. Whether it is used on a project just by one design professional to produce a traditional tender specification, or by the whole project team write their specifications from "outline" to "as-built" - we believe it is a specification system that will truly revolutionise specification writing in the UK.

Further reading:

- https://www.thenbs.com/topics/designSpecification/articles/nbsCreateAndLevel2BIM.asp