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Proprietary (Branded) Literature
BrandedSPECs (Proprietary
Specifications)
Digicon develops and “brands” specifications that are written according to MasterFORMAT, SectionFORMAT, and PageFORMAT; standards published jointly by CSC in Canada and CSI in the USA. Using their “3-part format”, proprietary specifications are written in the style which is endorsed by both associations for inclusion in Project Manuals.
BrandedSPECs are normally edited by a specifier to meet the specific requirements of a project. The specifier, by recognizing the Digicon seal which is dated for the year of approval, can be assured that the document is current, meets industry standards, and has all the information required for inclusion in Project Manuals. This service enhances risk manager for both the manufacturer and the specifier while supporting a quick, efficient approach to specification development.
Manufacturers who have 3-part specifications can have them reviewed by Digicon to ensure they conform to industry standards. Once they meet these standards, they are eligible to use Digicon’s Seal of Approval.
To ensure that quality and
format standards are maintained on all BrandedSPEC specifications, Digicon
provides the following services.
- Review existing proprietary specifications that have been developed
by the manufacturer, to ensure they are written in the
appropriate writing style, in the 3 part format, and meets
current industry consensus standards.
- Develop proprietary specifications using current industry
consensus standards.
- Approve all specifications to be “branded” thus reassuring
users that the specifications meet current industry standards.
- At the request of manufacturers:
- Approve eligibility for placement of the specification on
Spex.ca.
- Annually review and approve all proprietary specifications
hosted on Spex.ca to
determine their eligibility for continued use of the “seal”.
- Advise all manufacturers when changes in the industry affect
their BrandedSPECs, when hosted on Spex.ca.
- Assist manufacturers in the development and upgrading of BrandedSPECs as the need arises.
- Approve eligibility for placement of the specification on
Spex.ca.
Product Descriptions
Product descriptions (data sheets) developed by Digicon are developed and organized to meet the standard format outlined in CSC ProductFormat, developed by Digicon and supported by CSC. ProductFormat is a consensus standard which organizes technical data in a manner that complements CSC/CSI SectionFormat - the industry accepted standard for construction specifications.
The Product Descriptions developed by Digicon can be used by a number of key users, at various stages of project development, and ensure that:
- all information required for product selection purposes, and specification preparation purposes, are included.
- all information is organized in a format
that is complementary to CSC/CSI SectionFormat.
This approach ensures that specifiers, all of whom are
familiar with this format, can easily find the information they
require.
Since Digicon authors are specification consultants, we can ensure that the product descriptions will meet the requirements of specifiers for the specification development process. Manufacturers have the opportunity to use these product descriptions for marketing purposes.
MSDS Sheets
Digicon develops material safety datasheets that provide a summary of the hazardous materials contained in a product, relevant safety precautions, and handling procedures associated with toxic chemicals in products. MSDS
sheets are sometimes requested as supporting documentation for LEED credits and can be a very useful addition to accompanying documentation on the commissioning of a building. All MSDS are completed to Digicon standards and receive our Seal of Approval.
The Digicon Seal Program
Digicon develops and approves manufacturer’s product literature (product descriptions, specifications, and MSDS sheets) by “branding” them with our Seal of Approval. The presence of our seal confirms that the literature has met our formatting standards and includes the minimum information required by design and specifier professionals to select and specify the product for a project.
The Seal for proprietary specifications includes the year the specification was developed and can be updated annually at the request of the manufacturer. The specifier is thus assured of the currency and completeness of the specifications “branded” by Digicon. Literature can be developed for both Canadian and United States marketplaces, since format standards were developed jointly by Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Digicon principals have had extensive experience developing literature for the United States as well as Canada.
Manufacturers have the opportunity to place all BrandedSPECs on Spex.ca, which is hosted by Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and Digicon.
For more information check out FAQ and look at sources for BrandedSPECs and Branded Product Descriptions, where all of these documents have been summarized.
Quotes are provided for the development of proprietary (Branded) specifications and product descriptions based on information provided by manufacturers. For more information contact Geri Watson at geri@digicon.ab.ca, or call 519-712-9509.
Maximize your marketing by hosting BrandedSPEXs and Product Descriptions on Spex.ca, the marketing site for publications by Digicon Information Inc. and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC).