I’m trying to plan a Chapter meeting in Madison Wi (in January) on various software options for writing specifications. I’m a Speclink user, but I’m not well versed in ARCOM’s current products. My goal is to have a speaker (or panel) that could educate a group on the advantages/disadvantages of each system. I also can’t spend much money doing it. Any suggestions? I’ve looked at the CSI speaker database, but it’s hard to narrow it down to my topic.
The Orange County chapter in Southern California is doing this exact topic at next month’s annual product show. The topic is “The Future of Specifications”, and our panel is mostly local. We have Jo Drummond representing the traditional process, a member of one our larger and widely known local firms discussing their modern methodology using automated systems, and Colin Gilboy from 4Specs to talk about national trends he is seeing. Our basic premise is to discuss the fact that “they aren’t making any more dinosaurs” (to quote John Reneger), and how firms are responding to the retiring group of expert spec writers and increased pressure to reduce fees, along with shorter timeframes to deliver CD’s.
So in short, our approach to this was to reach out to our local resources, and invite them join our panel. I’m looking forward to a lively discussion!
If there are no Masterspec users in your chapter, you may reach out to Chicago or Milwaukee chapters. There may be someone willing to come for gas money. (which may not be cheap!)
Curt,
I can suggest someone; send me an email at philatspecguydotcom
We have the panel. Thanks for the input. Now I’m trying to compile a list of all available software/spec writing options other than word processing of office masters. (we won’t discuss all of them obviously)
Here is what I have so far. If you know of others(free or for fee) please let me know.
ARCOM Masterspec
BSD Speclink
ARCOM SpecText
SpecIntact
Spec Wizard
Spec wave
Don’t forget SpexPlus - www.spexplus.net
Free, easy to use, and over 8000 downloads since its inception 3 years ago; now the most widely distributed master specification system in North America. Available in MS Word and Corel WordPerfect. Email me with any questions.
I know this is an older post- but if anyone has benefited from such an event- I would love to hear about it. I have TRIED to work with Masterspec for the past 3 years and have had technical difficulties the whole time. Is there someone out there that can tell me about their experience?