Development of computerized specifications

This paper describes the history, development, implementation, and benefits of a computerized master specification system established in a consulting engineering/architecture company. Besides reviewing the problems encountered in developing such a system, the paper quantifies computer costs and word processing labor hours expended in preparing technical specifications for several projects betwen 1980 and 1983. It compares these costs and labor hours to those expended using the traditional system of preparing specifications. The computerized specification system allows engineers to prepare technical specifications in one-third to one-half the time it takes using the traditional methods. Word processing or typing productivity increases by a factor of three to six.