Friday 8 November 2019

CPA and NBS - Product Information Report

This week saw the publication of the CPA and NBS Product Information Report. The report was, in part, a look at the challenges set out in Chapter 7 of the Hackett Report, which relate to communicating construction product information in a clear and unambiguous way.
CPA and NBS report
In terms of what information 'users' of construction product information require, there were some clear requirements:

  • 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
Download the report for free below:
https://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/news-media-events/news/2019/november/construction-industry-takes-first-steps-at-improving-product-information/