CSI "What's My Number Tool" and MasterFormat

Specification & Product Discussions Specifications Discussions
1

So, do we now have to BUY MasterFormat to get access to it? Do we no longer have access to What’s My Number Tool" on the website?

I tried accessing it, and got an error. I emailed CSI and it was forwarded to the company that now runs “Crosswalk.” This is the email I received:

"I’m reaching out from Customer Services at the Construction Information Network. We now manage the Crosswalk licensing and access for CSI.

"It looks like the previous Crosswalk site you may have been using is no longer active, which is why you’re seeing the error message when trying to log in.

"We’re reviewing accounts to make sure everyone who needs access is set up correctly. Could you let me know how you were using Crosswalk before? For example:
Through a CSI membership login on their website
Using a Word Add-in or API key
Or another method

“Once I know that, I can make sure to point you in the right direction to get your access restored.”

I noodled around on the CSI website and found this: “Order a copy of MasterFormat in CSIs store youll get access to the Numbers and Titles Tool with your purchase of the full document.” That may have been there all the time and I never noticed it, but as a member, I have always had FREE access.

We pay enough in dues and to renew our certifications. And they take free access away from us?! And what sort of notification did we receive? This is a BIG deal.

First they mess up logging our continuing education on the website, now this… All I want to do is find out what the MasterFormat numbers are for some things!

2

This is the page I use for MF numbers and titles; still working: https://crmservice.csinet.org/widgets/masterformat/numbersandtitles.aspx

3

How did you become aware of that link?

This is where I always used to go:
https://www.csiresources.org/standards/masterformat/mf-numbers-and-titles

4

Good question…I don’t remember when I got that link, probably pre-Crosswalk?
Like everything CSI internet related, it is hard to find!

5

I tried the csiresources link and got “Insufficient privileges.”

6

Use this one that Melody posted.

This is the page I use for MF numbers and titles; still working: https://crmservice.csinet.org/widgets/masterformat/numbersandtitles.aspx

7

Links no longer works.
CSI is telling me that they’ve taken MF down until sometime in January when the new edition will be posted but I’m welcome to buy a copy!

I can’t find any of the people who used to be useful resources.

Not sure what we’re supposed to do when we have work due today.

Very frustrated. Rethinking renewing.

8

Update:
Per the phone call I just received, CSI no longer provides member access to MasterFormat. We will only have access if we buy a license to use Crosswalk.

I’m due to renew the end of the month.
Thinking about voting with my feet.
Interested in feedback from those on this Forum.
Thanks

9

Just try googling your question, such as: “What is the CSI MasterFormat number for residential ceiling fans?” You will get an immediate, free, answer (which may or may not be accurate).

10

CSI board strikes again! Seems like every good resource that CSI members have helped create over the years has been sold off. I may not disenroll but I do think I’ll just keep using the 2020 MasterFormat numbers until CSI comes to their senses or I retire, whichever comes first.

11

“CSI no longer provides member access to MasterFormat. We will only have access if we buy a license to use Crosswalk.”

What the heck is WRONG with them? This frosts me soooooo much.

12

Write the director of the region representing you!

Directors
Director-at-Large
Edmund Brown, CSI, CCCA, CDT
Indianapolis, IN

Director-at-Large
Kevin Wang, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT
Plano, TX

Director from Southwest Region
Morayma Bittle, CSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT
Denver, CO

Director from West Region
Patrick Comerford, CSI, CCPR, CDT
Thousand Oaks, CA

Director from South Central Region
Lynsey Hankins, FCSI
McLoud, OK

Director from Southeast Region
Kenny McMann, Jr., CSI, CDT
Newnan, GA

Director from Northeast Region
Thomas A. Lanzelotti, CSI, CDT
New York, NY

Director from Gulf States Region
Betina Latiker, CSI, CDT
Carthage, MS

Director from Northwest Region
Georgia Spencer, CSI, CDT
Spokane, WA

Director from Middle Atlantic Region
Robert Vaughn, CSI
Richmond, VA

Director from North Central Region
Laura Derrick, CSI
Springfield, MO

Director from Great Lakes Region
Kirk Paisley, CSI, CDT
West Chester, OH

You can find their email addresses in the Member Directory. (There are no links on the “Governance” page.)

13

As of today, the CSI website path I ordinarily take to access MasterFormat classifications (which I do daily) still displays the message: MasterFormat Numbers and Titles: This page is currently under redevelopment and temporarily unavailable."

I searched for “Crosswalk” on the CSI general search window.The most recent web content was dated February 1, 2023 - nearly 3 years ago! The only information about Crosswalk was a very generalized press release from 2021. as well as a link taking you to a page promoting the sale of licenses for the use of MasterFormat, applicable to an undefined group of users whose makeup is unclear. None of this material explained what Crosswalk is, or what it does for the specifiers or product reps who make up the membership of CSI. The CSI-Connect forum has a thread detailing the frustration of several long time CSI members who have difficulty with the current work-around method, which did not work for me either.

CSI has apparently failed to communicate with its most dedicated members in restricting the use of its most important asset, and the CSI Board has not directed a suitable resolution. All in all, disappointing.

14

I wonder if the sudden “disappearance” of MasterFormat may have something to do with this:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-business-closed-innovation-my-unexpected-rift-csi-juste-fanou-jklff/

https://www.belmorelaw.com/insight/constructing-a-proper-statement-of-claim-federal-court-strikes-statement-of-claim-in-the-construction-specifications-institute-inc

in which case I understand why we’re not getting a lot of explanation from the Institute while this continues to work its way through this court action.

15

Regarding the second article, whether these are the attorneys for the defendant or not, their inability to get the name of the IP material at the center of the case correct speaks volumes about their attention to detail.

16

Closing MasterFormat and SectionFormat behind a paywall defeats the purpose of having a shared organizational system for specifications. If you want the organizational system to be adopted universally (which further promotes CSI’s relevance in the industry) then you need to allow that system to be readily shared and used.

As an example, the Dewey Decimal Classification system is copyrighted. But the organization that owns the copyright allows free access to the numbering system, but then charges for additional data-cataloging services they offer. https://www.oclc.org/en/dewey.html

In my opinion, this would not be the first time CSI has strayed from their mission. In this case, putting MasterFormat behind a paywall does nothing to “Advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance.” If anything, it is doing the opposite. (The same goes for embedding MasterFormat into Crosswalk software that is not adpoted by regular everyday users of MasterFormat.) It seems like a shortsighted money grab at the expense of CSI’s members, users of MasterFormat, the industry as a whole, and also to CSI’s own relevance/position in the industry.

17

Thank you Phil and Rosa for sharing your thoughts and findings.

I agree with Loretta about contacting the region directors.

This sounds like some useful idiot made a decision that will ultimately close CSI’s doors for good.

18

MasterFormat has been CSIs flagship document since its introduction 60 years ago. I remember being introduced to its initial two-digit numeric-alpha classification system at the first office I worked, in 1968. It’s come a long way since then.

Clear, concise communications and explanations from CSI have grown scarce in recent years. There may be a legitimate reason for their making access to MasterFormat by paid subscription only, over and above membership dues, but if so it has yet to be explained. Id surmise that sales of Crosswalk have been sparse, and that tying MasterFormat to Crosswalk is their (clumsy) attempt to resolve that. Id also hazard a guess that if this effort goes ahead, it will herald a further decline in CSI membership, if not its demise.