Examples of different manufacturer products in NBS Source

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?

Customer research sessions prior to developing NBS Source

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.

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/ 

Opinions - Building product manufacturers

 As a part of the NBS Construction Leaders' Summit we did a number of Microsoft Teams sessions where we asked questions of the industry around specific topics.

Two of these videos looked at the subject of building product manufacturers. Watch them below...

1. What advice would you give to building product manufacturers?

2. What's your experience of being a manufacturer on the NBS platform?

To find out more about NBS Source see:

- https://www.thenbs.com/nbs-source

Manufacturer product data and standards

Su Butcher who runs the Just Practicing consultancy - https://www.justpractising.com/ - is currently working with the IET to look at how manufacturers can digital structure their product information.

The following report was published and the request for feedback made.

https://communities.theiet.org/blogs/948/6996

I dropped an email through to Su and also had a quick web meeting to discuss ideas. She mentioned that I should share my thoughts, so here we go...

A. The general principles

I think there is no doubt that the construction industry needs to do more in terms of adopting digital. So any discussions that are out there encouraging this are good discussions to have.

You only need to look at websites like RightMove or AutoTrader to see how much easier it is sourcing house or car information if you can digitalise and move into the cloud. Equally, where data structures can be openly agreed then even greater efficiencies are possible. Search for cinema times on Google or Microsoft Bing for example to see the data results being fed immediately back from different commercial outlets.

There is no doubt, we need to start harnessing the power of digital more across construction.

B. Declaring performance and third party certification

I thought the report itself could have been a little clearer with respect to third party certification. It sometimes talked about certifying physical product characteristics and at other times it was looking at certifying data structures. Looking at physical characteristics first, there are broadly three steps here when describing a product.

How secure is this door?

(Quick example picked - so apologies if this isn't technical perfect, it's just to illustrate principles)

1. Marketing information
   Example: The ABC Security Doorset meets all of your security needs!
   
   
2. Self declaration against national/international standards
   Example: The strength and durability of the ABC Security Doorset is Class 3-4 to BS EN 1192.
   (CE Marks are examples of this)
   
   
3. Third party certification against national/international standards
   Example: The BRE Redbook LPS test certificate confirms that the strength and durability of the ABC Security Doorset is Class 3-4 to BS EN 1192.
   

Certifying digital data structures is a different thing. The BS EN ISO 23386 and 23387 standards do a great job of explaining the framework that should be followed to actually digitally model product information such as the information above.

It covers concepts such as the property 'strength and durability' should have a link to the standard that defines the testing method (say BS EN 1192). Then what the property value is as a measure and a unit or whether there is a defined enumerated list of values etc... 

An interesting side topic here is whether the same physical door has the same digital information in different countries. In the above example, in France or Germany the data may simply be a translation of languages (as the standard is a BS EN). This is great as a manufacturer can get a product tested once, declare the information and sell into many countries.

But in Australia, the standards defining doors are different, so the the information could be Security classification G0, G1, G2 to AS/NZ 2343. So the same concept of 'security' - but completely different terminology and measurement rules. So that same physical door would have different digital data. The doors coming out of the factory heading for Australia would be stamped with different information and any landing page on the web would show country specific info.

The report pulled together by Su looks at whether there will be third party certification for the digital structures to the 23386/23387 framework. It's certainly an interesting topic.

C. Agreeing on digital structures and file formats

Finally, the report looks at whether manufacturers require further support from industry bodies who could manage a governance process to develop templates to assist manufacturers to produce standardized information. Do the research once and then share with the industry.

There have been a number of initiatives over the years (the first I remember was hearing about the buildingSMART DataDictionary project back almost 20 years ago) - there have been others to - to try and do something similar. Looking in at these initiatives there always seems to be tension between developing a commercial model to run and maintain the services and keep it current or whether it is government funded and largely run by expert volunteers.

As one person said at today's review meeting, 'the market will decide where this all goes'. I think that is right - digital is not going away!

But certainly good to keep the conversation going.

For those interested to see a little more what we are doing in this field at NBS, please read the following article:

- https://manufacturers.thenbs.com/resources/knowledge/nbs-source-and-industry-standards

NBS Source

At NBS, we are delighted to announce the launch of NBS Source, our new platform for manufacturer product information:
- https://source.thenbs.com/

We have been working extremely hard at NBS over recent years to simplify our offerings and to fully move to the cloud. We now have three information platforms:

• NBS Chorus - for developing project specifications
• The Construction Information Service - to access industry standards and publications
• NBS Source - to access manufacturer product information

The information platform for the construction industry

1. The launch of Source:

We believe that Source is the best location to discover information about manufacturer product information throughout the project timeline. From case studies and brochures when preparing for a project, to digital objects and specifications when designing, through to manuals and certifications when assembling handover information.

Five great features for launch include...

1.1 Filters and comparisons
We've made it easier to find the product that meets your requirements...

Searching for 'window', then filtering to show composite windows from Velfac that have digital objects

Selecting three products to compare

Comparing the technical features of the selected products 

1.2 Linked information
By pulling all of the content from RIBA Product Selector, the NBS BIM Library and NBS Plus together we are connecting all of this content to make it easier to discover...

Discover a PDF brochure or case study, then jump to the technical data about the relevant products

1.3 Uniclass 2015
The primary classification system for the site is Uniclass 2015. So all products are categorised by their TE or Ss or Pr code.

Viewing insulated panels within the context of the 'sibling' classifications

Using the Uniclass terminology and structure - but with the codes in the background

1.4 Search suggestions
An innovative search interface within a responsive modern web platform

As you type your third letter, search categories, manufacturers and products are suggested

...and if you know the product you want, just type in its reference

1.5 Permalinks
Easy to use, very short hyperlinks, that can be used in emails, objects, QR codes... anywhere... that will always return to the NBS Source.

For any item on the site - click to get the permalink

Try this particular permalink below...
- https://nbs.fyi/SUOA0E

Or scan this QR code with your phone:

2. Enhanced data:

Now, in May 2020, all of the existing RIBA Product Selector, NBS Plus and NBS BIM Library has been ported across. The next stage is now to make the content even better.

At the point of renewal, we will be enhancing all of our manufacturers' content. In particular...

2.1 Certification
Our focus groups, The Hackitt Report, our joint research with the CPA all clearly stated that manufacturers should display their third party certification that verifies their declared performance.

Making this certification more visible is a priority for us going forward...

Third party certification will be a primary search filter (left of screen)

2.2 Alignment to spec
We will be standardized the specification content - so that Source is a mirror of Chorus

Each manufacturer product's specification will be aligned to the NBS specification clause definitions

2.3 Sustainability
In addition to third party certification, our focus groups have clearly told us that the industry needs better quality sustainability information. Even without focus groups, it is clear that this is a global challenge that government and the industry are giving real focus.

To support the industry, we will be asking all of our manufacturers to provide us with the following information for their products:

• Relevant third party certification (WRAS, EPD, FSC...)
• Recycled content
• Recyclability guidance
• Embodied carbon
• Contains Red List materials
• Country of origin

So, we're really pleased to announce the launch - and we're also really pleased with the road map we have committed to ahead. Our vision is to be the information platform for the global construction industry. With Chorus, Source and The Construction Information Service we believe we have the foundations to achieve this.

3. Further reading:

I have written a few articles for the NBS website to accompany the launch of Source. Check them out below...

The launch of NBS Source
A bit of a 'long read' that goes through the same structure as our launch event presentation
- https://manufacturers.thenbs.com/resources/knowledge/nbs-source-a-new-future-for-manufacturer-product-information

NBS Source and Industry Standards
A more technical article:
- https://manufacturers.thenbs.com/resources/knowledge/nbs-source-and-industry-standards

But enough words, have an play with the platform now at:
- https://source.thenbs.com/

Manufacturers that want to be part of Source, find out more at:
- https://manufacturers.thenbs.com/

NBS Source - Technical information platform for construction product manufacturers

At the Construction Product Leaders' Summit last week, we launched our new manufacturer product platform, NBS Source. This gave an exclusive sneak preview of our latest NBS development.

A single manufacturer product platform from NBS

Throughout the day there were a number of inspiring speakers. A combination of Government Advisors and leaders from the construction industry. A clear message was presented. The construction industry must become more productive, it must become greener and it must become safer and standardized digitized information and tools will play a big part enabling this.

The potential behind digitising the construction industry

What specifiers need from manufacturers

Since the 1970s, NBS has provided opportunities to construction manufacturers to position their technical data alongside generic specification content. This has grown into a number of websites delivering digital objects, specification clauses, certification, case studies and associated literature.

At the conference, we announced that we were well underway on a major project to enhance both the content quality and also in building a major new platform, NBS Source.

A number of current solutions developed by NBS - being brought into a combined platform

At this blog, I try and dive into the technical details a little more and look 'behind the scenes'. So I'd like to highlight the article below that looks at NBS Source and how it works to align the data to existing and emerging standards.

So please click and read the article below...

- https://manufacturers.thenbs.com/resources/knowledge/nbs-source-and-industry-standards

A couple of screenshots below show how we structure each construction product data structure against the research and maintained structure behind the NBS Chorus specification clauses. This will ensure that across different manufacturers, the information will be consistent and standardized.

Standardized terminology across manufacturer products

Terminology that has been defined in the construction standards

To keep an eye on what the wider community thought about the launch of NBS Source, view the hashtag #CPLS2020 on Twitter...

- https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPLS2020

...and finally, the illustration below shows how Chorus, CIS and Source all sit together combining specification, standards and products in three connected platforms - all built by NBS.

Find out more about Source at...
- https://manufacturers.thenbs.com/nbs-source

PS: As always, it was real pleasure to show off the fantastic work that the team at NBS HQ do when developing our products...

Software demo

Find. Select. Specify

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/

BIM research for Manufacturers

We have just published a free-to-download research report for manufacturers interested in BIM.
- https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/nbs-manufacturers-bim-report-2017

As with all of our NBS market research reports, 100s of organisations have been surveyed and the results are presented alongside easy-to-read analysis...

Manufacturer attitudes to BIM

There are also a few case study articles looking at how manufacturers and BIM are working on real life projects today.

• David Miller Architects case study:
  https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/manufacturer-bim-objects-facilitate-dynamic-digital-design
• Ideal Standards case study:
  https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/bim-a-manufacturers-journey

How an architectural practice is using manufacturer BIM content on housing projects in London

How a manufacturer is creating standardised content and distributing it to thousands of designers

Also, a quick plug for the excellent NBS research service - David and Adrian in my team have done some top work for leading manufacturers and organisations such as Microsoft, RIBA and DCLG over the years. If you are going on a digital transformation and want to understand what your customers needs are - then give us a call or drop us an email:
- https://www.riba-insight.com/products/market-research.asp

Download the manufacturer BIM repoort below:
- https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/nbs-manufacturers-bim-report-2017

Specifying manufacturer products

The free-to-download sample NBS specifications have been updated on our website to include manufacturer information:
- https://www.thenbs.com/services/our-tools/nbs-create/sample-specifications

For each discipline there is now has an example where the performance of the system  has been specified to inform contractor's design and also an example where a system has been fully specified including a selection of manufacturer products.

The screenshots below show how this works in the NBS software using the 'NBS Plus' manufacturer library and also the final output.

For each product clause in NBS the manufacturer selection may be either left to Contractor's Selection or a specific manufacturer and product reference may be specified.

In the Landscape example, the manufacturer Charcon is selected

Once a manufacturer product is specified, the specification options for that particular product are provided within the software. Accompanying guidance is provided in the NBS Plus window to the right.

In the Services example, specification choices are made from the Schneider Electric catalogue

At any time, a report of all manufacturer selections may be generated. This can be generated within the software or published to PDF.

Within NBS Create there is a report of every manufacturer product specified

The specification information is very well structured and can be exported digitally. However, on most projects, a well-presented PDF or print out in the company brand is typically needed.

Example 'print out' from the Structures example

The case study from the NBS Old Post Office Building is a good example of NBS Plus in action on a real project:
- https://www.thenbs.com/case-studies/the-old-post-office

Real-life 'NBS Plus' content used in the specification for the NBS Old Post Office Building 

Download the sample NBS specifications to learn more about the different methods of specifying depending on design responsibility:
- https://www.thenbs.com/services/our-tools/nbs-create/sample-specifications

Construction Manufacturers - Going Digital

One of the most debated topics at BIM conferences and on social media is around what building product manufacturers need to do to take advantage of digital opportunities.

Much of this debate is around 'do manufacturers need objects?' or 'do they just need information feeds?'.

I contributed an opinion piece on this topic for our 'What specifiers want' report that looks at how manufacturer information used to be delivered to specifiers by librarians and through physical product directories and what has changed in the last 4-5 years.

This report can be downloaded for free at:
- thenbs.com/knowledge/what-specifiers-want-2017

Article in the What Specifiers Want report

The article looks at manufacturer content within models, but also the value of streaming well structured data straight into specifications (screenshot below), linked technical literature and the value of marketing through delivering knowledge to support construction professionals with their CPD. The value of face-to-face and relationship building is still there in a digital world!

The links below for those wanting to know more...

Download the free report
- thenbs.com/knowledge/what-specifiers-want-2017

Read the comment piece on theNBS.com
- thenbs.com/knowledge/digitising-manufacturers-product-data

Find out more about how NBS can support
- thenbs.com/services/building-product-manufacturers