Competitive bidding is an illusion…
Or a delusion
We usually don’t list more than the manufacturer’s name in our specifications, except for the following:
- Interiors person or Owner insists we include rep’s contact information. This is common for retail work.
- Manufacturer has really common name that makes internet searching difficult, like “custom windows” or “architectural wood”.
In the era of 4specs.com, do we really need to list websites for everything? Does everyone do this, or just the specifiers posting so far?
Lisa, I almost never list more than manufacturer’s name (and product), except for a few rare situations similar to those on your list.
Option 4: Hilti, Inc.
Does putting a representative’s name in the spec make sourcing the product from that representative part of the contract? Does listing a phone number or website mean that the contractor must dial that number or visit that page to comply with the contract documents? Do you state that phone numbers and addresses and representative names are for information only in Div 01?
-Keep it clear; We want products from Hilti, Inc.
-Keep it concise; Manufacturer is all the contractor needs to know to do their job.
-Keep it complete; Don’t rely on the listing of a representative to get certain things because they are familiar with what the designers want.
-Keep it correct; As has been stated before, websites change, representatives change, phone numbers change, etc. Rarely is Hilti, Inc. going to change without you knowing about it.
I agree with a lot of these comments from all sides.
However, I use BSD Speclink-e and their masters begin with the company websites listed. To me that is the most efficient way.
What we as a group have to recognize is that it is the Architect of Record/project team that selects the products not the contractor. For commodity products, the website can be superfluous.
One point I heard at a recent presentation; we have to consider is that more products have been introduced in the last ten years than the entire history of construction. The contractor needs to know how to find these new specialty products. Sometimes they don’t have a website. Other times a search does not produce a result even when you know the correct product or company name.
Another point companies have been merged and bought out. Websites will generally link to the new one. Products get dropped and changed. The project Architects and team use our links to look up products.
I used to work with a specifier who put the company name and website along with the representatives name, phone number and email address in every section. The reps loved seeing their name in print. The contractors loved not having to look up the contact information. The architects loved it too. But with all double-edged swords, the other side was equally as sharp. The contact information became quickly out of date. I would get annoying emails and calls such as, “Frank’s number is disconnected what is his new number?” “I called Joe and he no longer represents that product.” “Sally’s email bounced back.” The companys website link is not working.
Sometimes I spent more time updating contact information than I did writing specifications. I searched my big box of loose business cards and two full rolodexes only to find I mostly had out of date cards. Sometimes I found a card for a reps current and all past companies. I would check product binders (remember those?) only to find yet another out of date contact. I would check the company website only to have to fill out an online form or the site would only list top executives instead of local representatives.
Why isnt there one place that has current representative information? That way I can concentrate on writing specifications. If this site was accessible to everyone, then I would not waste time answering questions about contact information. Others could easily look the information up.
Since there was no such a website, so I had to create my own. Thus was born Local Product Reps website (www.localproductreps.com). This site is far from complete but is a good start.
My goal is that this site will grow to be the source for product rep contact information. My website will benefit everyone involved in the construction industry. As always, your ideas are appreciated.
“…more products have been introduced in the last ten years than the entire history of construction.”
Richard, do you recall where you heard that statement, or its ultimate source? (I believe it, and I’d like to use it, but I’d like to be able to cite a reference…) Thanks.
Robert,
Check with Marc Chavez. Marc was the first one I heard say that quote.
BTW, I saw Marc give a report where he graphed water barrier products and their dates of introduction into the market place. The curve was exponential.
Ultimate source… I don’t know.
This was from a presentation made at the LA CSI dinner meeting by Barry Taheri, principal of California Consultants CaliforniaConsultants1@gmail.com. His PowerPoint doesn’t list a source.
I have to say this is quite believable. Just look at how Colin has been having to keep his website updated!
The exponential increase in building product types was recognized at least as long ago as the early 1970s. I still have the book in which this was published and will let you know the citation when I find it.
The curve began in prehistoric times where innovations, like mixing fiber in mud or using dung to tan hides, took generations to become accepted practice. The establishment of fixed habitations with the beginning of agriculture necessitated new materials and allowed the specialization into crafts. The industrial revolution, along with the scientific method and corporations, continued the curve. Now, it is a challenge to use the same product from one year to the next.
I offer a presentation that is ideal for CSI chapters and regions called, “Mis-underestimating the Future” where I take current headlines from scientific journals and predict how construction will change.
Consider this week’s news:
Advances in “invisibility”:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150430113534.htm
Human/building interfaces:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150429101044.htm
Bi-pedal construction robots:
http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2015/apr/walking-robot.cfm
Window glass with LCD built into it:
http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2015/apr/semi-transparent-windows.cfm
Hang on, its going to be a fast ride.
David, what you are describing is what we call “job security.” You know, us old timers need to do something to justify our existence. None of us actually wants to architect anything… That is a verb, right?