NBS Source is our construction product information platform.
Whenever I am demonstrating it, I make sure that I try and show off some good examples to demonstrate the content structures.
Within this blog post, I highlight some examples below. Before I do so though, I thought it would be good to reflect on our user-focus group sessions from 3-4 years ago when we were first developing NBS Source. What did the construction professionals that we listened to tell us they wanted from construction product manufacturers?
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| Customer research sessions prior to developing NBS Source |
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| Trying to arrange the main requirements into a list of ten things |
So below, here are some content examples relating back to our findings of what the industry was asking for. Each example contains a screengrab and a hyperlink to the product itself.
Specification information
Example - Armour Carpet Tile from burmatex - https://nbs.fyi/SaOCqE
Note how the specification properties and values have been researched and aligned to the standards in the country of use (in this case BS EN standards for UK). This is aligned to the NBS generic specification template in our NBS Chorus specification platform.
Variant specification information
Example - the Heraklith Boards from Knauf Insulation bv - https://nbs.fyi/kMOA0q
Note that the thermal and acoustic characteristics of the boards adjust as the thickness of the board changes.
Third party certification and guidance on application
Example - Glidevale Protect VP400 from BPD Ltd - https://nbs.fyi/myosaK
Note the prominence of the BM Trada third party certification and the clear guidance on application for the use of the product.
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| Associated certification |
Consistent environmental information
Example - SigDeck 100 from Sigmat - https://nbs.fyi/8WQm0G
Note that, in addition to specific information to the particular product type, more general information is also provided around items such as material origin, carbon and reuse of materials.
Permanent links and 'replaced by' information
Example - Armourguard - C2 from HAG - https://nbs.fyi/kAmEAS
Note that when a product is no longer available or has had a major revision, then the original web link (permalink) is still maintained. The user may choose to read the information that was published at the time and also click across to view the latest information.
Comparable information
Example - selected hand dryer products from multiple manufacturers - Hand dryers
Note that products from different manufacturers may be compared.
Linked literature to product
Example - VELFAC 200 windows from Velfac - https://nbs.fyi/Sw6Oe4
Note that catalogues, certificates, manuals etc. can all be linked to related products. These links work in both directions.
From customer-story to product
Example - RS69 flooring from Sherwin Williams - https://nbs.fyi/62UCaC
Case studies may also be linked. So real-life usage of products may be demonstrated.
'Light' digital objects to aid design process
Example - FireMaster A1 from - https://nbs.fyi/q6gGI2
Many products also have digital objects to aid the design process. This allows the product to be specified in the NBS specification, but plans, sections, details, visualizations, schedules also to be generated from the 3D modelling environment. In the example below the object is just over 1MB in size but has different options for fittings that can be shown on design details.
...and last, but my no means least, for this content to integrate into the design and specification process - not to just sit on a web platform that is a silo.
Watch the webinar below to see how NBS Chorus and NBS Source work together:
https://www.thenbs.com/events
...and check out and bookmark NBS Source now...
https://source.thenbs.com/
