Known Deltek problem: Masterworks only works with the 32-bit version of 365 Office (Word) not 64-bit. Also agree with comment “Specpoint is slow & tedious.”
Unregistered Guest,
That is not true! I use 64 bit version of Office 365 (Word) with MasterWorks and have for years!
Confirmed, the MasterWorks plugin for my 64 bit version of Word works fine.
There are two install files when you download Masterworks: “setup.exe” and “setup64.exe.” Logically, you should use “setup64.exe” if you are running a 64-bit version of Word.
Now, with Microsoft Office 365 online as the primary method of getting this software, the typical setup with the base subscription is limited in features. For example, mail merge is not supported. I would expect MasterWorks would not work either. You need to have the next step up in subscription and download the app to your desktop, which I would expect any power user (like a specifier) would be using. You can buy a stand alone desktop version with no support, but it is priced at about three times the annual subscription rate.
Wondering if the standard AIA software that is used to create contractual agreements between Architects and owners, is going to address the MASSIVE change to the way Spec point is going to operate. In the past we transferred “intellectual” property to the owner because we as spec writers were considered to be creating the content. Now with the new system, we are going to be reusing someone elses content.
I viewed the Specpoint program on the Deltek site. It is primitive and based on product specs only. I couldn’t find any reference to standards like ANSI or Fed Spec numbers. Maybe they’re in the paid for app and not the promotional app. Lots of pictures of products but no real criteria for selecting. You have to do a deep dive on every product’s website to find the spec data. Many manufacturers are not represented. If your client likes to use a a certain product, Specpoint may not work for you.
Deltek knows a lot about everything, but not much about anything, especially spec preparation.
Phil Z, thanks for the insight. That is deeply concerning.
We whose practices rely on MasterSpec Word documents may have to begin making our concerns heard loudly by the AIA to avoid a situation where MasterSpec is no longer offered in a tenable format. This appears to be rapidly approaching.
I attended several specpoint trainings and the common theme throughout these trainings, is that the entire system is being derived from Uni-Format. Based on Assemblies so that BIM can integrate the specs into the Model. Is this moving in the opposite direction? Didnt we give up on Uniformat 20 years ago?
Who is “we”?
It looks like Deltek fixed MasterWorks so it now connects with Supporting Documents. Yeah!
We gave the Specpoint product from Deltek a try, it was AWFUL, and I am being nice about it. Numerous errors in the specs themselves, along with changes not being kept once completed, the list goes on. This doesn’t mention the amount of time it takes to write one spec in Specpoint is approximately 10 times that of SpecBuilder. We did not like the product and are very disappointed in the delivery and function. Our guess is Deltek doesn’t understand how Architects and Engineers work and what really needs to happen during product production and delivery. We need specs assembled fast, and this is going in the wrong direction completely.
Has anyone looked at Conspectus Cloud from Dave Stutzman and company?
It starts with UniFormat and seems to provide continuity from SD to CA. Unlike MasterSpec it is not verbose and their database system seems a lot more intuitive than SpecLink.
We had a short talk at SCIP but I’ve been laid up and haven’t been able to follow up yet.
BTW, “we” never gave up on UniFormat. That was just another stupid decision by Deltek and predecessors who have no idea how design is done.
If anyone has any questions on Specpoint or would like a demo, please feel free to reach out to me. As a previous specifier for a large firm, I see tons of value in specification software.
Reading through some of these posts, I think there is some need for clarification on Specpoint and want to offer any help I can. Please reach out to me at JeffreyPotter@Deltek.com
Prompted by Ken’s mention of Conspectus Cloud – which I had not been aware of – I reached out to Dave Stutzman, who graciously gave me an introduction to his system. He and his developers have created a really impressive platform that is based on a thorough understanding of the way specifiers operate. I was surprised to learn that Dave is offering the software to users outside his own practice – including his competitors like me!
From my introduction to Dave’s platform, it appears to have the potential to be far superior to the other systems currently available.
Dave also has a very interesting idea for integrating Uniformat and Masterformat, and the platform is based on that approach. In my view, this tactic has real merit for the construction industry and deserves consideration by the specifications community.
I encourage everyone to check it out:
Thank you Ken and Jeff for mentioning Conspectus Cloud. I will be happy to provide a demo to anyone that wishes to see it.
The Conspectus team has been using the software to produce all projects for over 3 years. Though new to the marketplace, it is a proven solution. We continue to add new features as development continues.
I tried setting up my first project in Specpoint today, and received an error. Couldn’t even create a new project, even though all the required fields were filled out. Tried it in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Wow. Can’t believe they are planning to ditch the MasterSpec templates so quickly when Specpoint clearly isn’t ready for showtime.
Elizabeth, any updates?
Specpoint users: is there a way to export out Masterspec content in Word format? Or is the software not configured to provide the full content of Masterspec in that way? We only use a limited amount of the Masterspec sections so moving completely into that system probably isn’t going to work. Thanks
Realizing this thread is old, but wondering if anyone developed a comparison chart of the differences between SpecBuilder and SpecLink Cloud?