NEWSLETTER

Statistical Harvest

Building Systems Design’s BSD SpecLink® is unique in many ways. Most users are aware, for example, that it is the only guide specification system based on a relational database. However, most users are not aware of the fact that BSD SpecLink is the only guide specification system that automatically gathers information about how it is being used by its customers.

For instance, we know that 11,655 SpecLink projects were active during the period 11/1/05- 10/31/06. The most frequently used section is 07 9005 (07900) – Joint Sealers, which is included in 46% of the project manuals generated with SpecLink. This is followed by Section 09 2116 (09260) – Gypsum Board Assemblies, used in 43% of projects, and Section 09 9000 – Painting and Coating (09900 – Paints and Coatings), used in 40% of projects.

We also gather more specific information about project specifications. If we examine the data for Section 09 2116 – Gypsum Board Assemblies, for example, we find that of the 5,013 projects that used the section over a one-year period, particular gypsum board manufacturers were specified about half the time. We also know exactly how many times each manufacturer was specified, as follows:

For Metal Framing Materials:

• Clark Steel Framing Systems: ................. 1,427 times
• Dietrich Metal Framing: ......................... 1,559 times
• Marino-Ware: ...................................... 1,195 times
• Telling Industries: ................................. 383 times
• The Steel Network, Inc. ......................... 318 times
• Other manufacturers entered by users: ..... 88 times

For Gypsum Board Materials:

• G-P Gypsum Corporation: ....................... 2,457 times
• National Gypsum Company: .................... 2,469 times
• USG: .................................................. 2,534 times
• Other manufacturers entered by users: .... 127 times

The data tells us that fiberglass faced gypsum board materials were specified on 655 projects and predecorated gypsum board was specified on only 49 projects.

In addition to generic statistical data about overall usage, we can gather information about specific projects when our subscribers permit that data transfer. For instance, we have information about 41 projects in Alabama so far this year that have used Section 09 2116 (09260), whereas we have data on 43 such projects in Illinois, and 46 in New York.

Knowing which sections are used most frequently and which ones are used only occasionally allows us to assign resources more efficiently for maintenance and expansion of data. This information will also help us determine which associations and other industry organizations to pursue for assistance in improving the specifications database. Individual manufacturers also may find the data useful in determining how to improve their competitive positions in the construction marketplace. In the final analysis, improvement of our product is our primary goal, and we believe the more information we can gather on how BSD SpecLink is being used, the better our chances will be of keeping our customers satisfied.