CPA and NBS report |
- Technical product information to complete the specification
- Third party certification
- Suitability information - in particular if the product forms part of a system
- Currency/availability information
- Supporting guidance
It was also very clear that users want information digitally. The only significant requirement for 'physical' information was product samples and delivery of in-person CPD. This is a huge change in a decade where printed literature was once common place.
There was also a difference in understanding between what users wanted and what providers thought they wanted.
Focus more on:
- Making product information more accessible from search engines
- Making product information more accessible from online product directories
Focus less on:
- Brochures
- Sales reps
- Trade shows
- Promotion through social media
Clearly, the provision of well-structured, comprehensive and accurate product information is an area the industry must improve on.
However, the report also highlighted industry bad-practice around product substitution. This was found too often to be (a) badly documented and (b) not following approval mechanisms.
Certainly a few things to think about. Some screenshots from the key findings below...
The key information required from provider and user perspectives |
Do product substitutions follow an agreed process and get documented |
Are product substitutions always approved |
How can accurate manufacturer product information be insisted on |
- https://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/news-media-events/news/2019/november/construction-industry-takes-first-steps-at-improving-product-information/