SpecsIntact provides time-saving, automated Quality AssuranceA systematic process insuring the specification meets the specified requirements set by the UFGS Discipline Working Group as documented within the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) Format Standard (UFC 1-300-02) reports. These QA features reduce the man-hours necessary to verify the accuracy of the following items contained in the specifications:
- Technical References
- Submittal Requirements
- Test Requirements for the project
Proper tagging of these items, as well as other elements of the SectionA set of files within the Division of a Master or Job that covers specific aspects of construction text, ensures that the system will accurately locate, verify, and report on these items. The elements used for this purpose are referred to as TagsSpecsIntact relies on tags to control content, and formatting, automate processes, and generate reports. These special markers, like <SEC> and </SEC>, define elements and attributes within the specifications. Some tags, like <Page />, function independently. In essence, tags are the building blocks of SpecsIntact documents.
SpecsIntact Sections contain other specially tagged items to assist in specification preparation and editing:
- Specifier NotesSpecifier Notes <NTE> are paragraphs of information included in the Section written to aid the Engineer, Architect, or Specifier in editing the specification can be automatically excluded from the printed Sections, eliminating the need for manual deletion, while remaining visible on-screen within the SI Editor.
- Bracketed OptionsText presented with bracketed choices, allowing users to select the desired option provides the specifier with a choice of text selections. There is a built-in verification report that makes sure all brackets are removed from the edited Sections.
SI Editor's Advanced Tools
Tailoring
TailoringTagged elements <TAI> </TAI> inserted by the Master Specification writer to indicate specific elements within a specification. These tags allow them to include or exclude requirements based on factors like agency or product. This pre-editing removes irrelevant requirements, simplifying customization for each project provides a method to make project specification writing and editing easier. The specification is marked up to include various requirements by pre-editing a guide specification to remove requirements that do not exist in the project and simplifying customization.
The Navigator
Designed to simplify navigating and editing specifications. This feature became an essential tool after implementing Automatic Paragraph Numbering to easily locate and edit nested subparts with ease.
Reference and Submittal Wizards
The SI Editor's Reference and Submittal Wizards, and Reference and Submittal checking is an exciting feature that makes working with References and Submittals almost effortless.
Reference Wizard
- The Reference WizardThe Reference Wizard is an automated Tool for inserting and managing Reference Publications is activated by clicking either the Reference (REF), Reference Identifier (RID), Reference Title (RTL), or Reference Organization (ORG) button on the SI Editor's Tagsbar. By selecting one of these buttons, the Reference Wizard will open.
- Reference checking is activated by right-clicking on the Reference Identifier (RID) and selecting Check Reference. This feature enables the system to compare the Reference Title (RTL) and Organization (ORG) for the selected Reference Identifier (RID) as found in the Section's Reference ArticleAn Article within Part 1 that contains a list of the Publishing Organizations and the titles of all technical references used in the section text (e.g., 1.x REFERENCES) with any corresponding listing found in the default Unified Master Reference List (UMRL)A list of all referenced standards cited in the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) Master. It is used to generate Reference Articles when performing Master text processing functions. The UMRL is also used by the SI Explorers Reference Wizard and Reference Checking features or the Supplemental Reference ListA custom file maintained by the user to include reference standards not found in the UFGS Master guide specifications.
For more information on the SI Editor's Reference Wizard, refer to the Reference Wizard Overview topic.
Submittal Wizard
- The Submittal WizardThe Submittal Wizard is an automated Tool for inserting and managing Submittals is activated by clicking the Submittal (SUB) button on the SI Editor's Tagsbar.
- The Submittal checking is triggered by right-clicking on a Submittal Item (SUB) and selecting Check Submittal on a Submittal that is located outside of the Section's Submittal Article (e.g., 1.x SUBMITTALS). This feature enables the system to compare the Submittal Item as it is found in the Section Submittal Article.
For more information on the SI Editor's Submittal Wizard, refer to the Submittal Wizard Overview topic.
Processing and Printing
SpecsIntact's processing and printing capabilities are robust, designed to transform highly structured specification data into polished, custom deliverable documents. At its core, this functionality allows users to generate final project specifications in various formats, catering to different distribution and review needs.
Key aspects of SpecsIntact's processing and printing include:
- Flexible Output Formats: Users can choose from several output types. Processed (.prn) files are ideal for printing hard copies. For electronic distribution, SpecsIntact supports electronic PDF and Microsoft Word formats. If needed, these electronic files can then be printed to paper through the SpecsIntact Explorer or other standard software.
- Comprehensive Control: The SpecsIntact Explorer's Process and Print/Publish function provides extensive options. Users can select specific Sections to include, manage printing and renumbering settings, and apply reconciliation options to ensure data accuracy and consistency within the final output.
- Automated Quality Assurance Reports: Beyond generating the specifications, SpecsIntact's processing functions produce critical Quality Assurance (QA) reports. These reports, such as Address Verification, Reference Verification, Bracket Verification, and Section Verification reports, are invaluable tools for identifying and flagging potential errors or discrepancies before final publication. This automated review significantly reduces manual effort and improves Section integrity.
- Inclusion of Project Table of Contents and Submittal Register: Users can choose to include various essential project documents in their output, such as the Project and Section Tables of Contents, Master Table of Contents, and the Submittal Register. This ensures that all relevant project-related file are consolidated within the final deliverable.
- Customization and Settings Management: SpecsIntact allows users to save their preferred processing and printing settings, streamlining future operations. This means that common configurations for headers, footers, and report selections can be easily recalled, improving efficiency.
- Limitations and Considerations: The Submittal Register, while crucial, is not visible in the SpecsIntact Explorer or SI Editor except when the output is in PDF format or when exported to spreadsheet format.
SpecsIntact's processing and printing features are a critical component of the specification development workflow, enabling users to efficiently finalize, quality-check, and distribute accurate construction specifications.