Product Q&A

All Products

Q. I have a new computer. Can I use the same access key as my old one?
A. Each access key is unique to the computer or server where the software was installed. Before removing from the old computer, call Technical Support at 800-266-7732 to Unpermit your current installation. When that is done, you can get a key for the new computer. To save time, install the software on the new computer before calling Technical Support. We can get your Unpermit Code from the old computer and issue a new key in the same phone call.

Q. I never installed my last update. What do I do?
A. Install the most recent update over your existing installation using the updated instructions on the CD or website. You do not need to install prior updates for SpecLink, nor do you need a new Access Key (unless you have not yet entered your renewal key or have a new computer).

BSD SpecLink & PerSpective

Q. What is the difference between Demote and Demote Branch?
A. When you use the demote or promote commands, you are changing just the single paragraph where your cursor is placed by moving it down or up a level. When you demote or promote a branch, you are changing the paragraph where your cursor is placed and any lower level paragraphs that are "children" to that paragraph. To change several like-level paragraphs in a row, highlight them all and demote or promote the whole group at once.

Q. A building product rep asked me how his company can get listed in SpecLink. What can I say to him?
A. 1. Tell him that BSD welcomes manufacturer feedback and he can contact our spec writers through our website or at (888) BSD-SOFT.
2. Refer him to our website; there is a whole section for Building Product Manufacturers.
3. If you would like to earn a cash referral award for yourself, go to our Specifiers' Library, www.bsdsoftlink.com/library, download the Referral Form, read the terms and instructions, and fax or mail it to us.

Q. What is the difference between an access key and the serial code?
A. The access key gives you access to the data to which you subscribed. You get the access key when you initially subscribe after you install the product and call tech support with your access ID. When you renew your subscription annually, you are emailed a new key that provides access for another year. The serial code is only used when you download the quarterly updates from our website, and is required during the installation process. It is SLP4457117, is the same for all users, and does not change. It is included in the email that you get from Support each quarter when the update is ready to be downloaded.

Q. Are there plans for an ability to link Revit data directly into SpecLink+? If so, what is the projected availability?
A. We are working on a new version of the BSD SpecLink software that is tentatively called SpecLink-E, or SLE. We are also working on a separate linking program called BSD LinkMan, for Link Manager. The first "interoperable" release of LinkMan has been designed to work with the Autodesk Revit Building product and will provide meaningful links between Revit elements and SpecLink-E paragraphs and sections. The SpecLink-E release is expected in the first quarter of 2008 and the LinkMan release is expected shortly thereafter. We have not yet announced a delivery date for either product. The SpecLink-E product will include conversion commands to move SpecLink+ projects and office masters to SpecLink-E without any loss of data.

BSD Costlink/AE & BSD CostLink/CM

Q. Do the costs in the R.S. Means database include the installing contractor's overhead and profit?
A. In CostLink/AE, they do. In CostLink/CM, they do not. In CostLink/AE the bare costs equal the arithmetic sum of Material (which is the bare material cost plus a specified percentage for profit), Labor (the base labor cost plus total overhead and profit), and Equipment (the bare equipment cost plus a specified percentage for profit). Details for the calculation of Overhead and Profit on labor are on the back cover of the appropriate R.S. Means cost book. In CostLink/CM, you have the flexibility to define the subcontractor markups for each contractor individually.

Q. I want to copy folders from only the Assemblies database into my project. How do I do that?
A. Drag and drop them using your right mouse button. Open both databases and tile them vertically. When you drop the folder into the project database, choose the option Copy Folders Here. If you do not need all the folders you copied in, use the Delete Empty Folders option under the Tools menu to remove the empty folders.

BSD CostLink/CM

Q. How can I create alternates in my estimate?
A. Reporting of alternates is available with both portrait 1 and 2 reports and the landscape 1 report. First, be sure to set up your estimate so the entire Base Cost is in your first level one folder, and so each level one folder after that contains alternate costs. When your estimate is complete, from the File menu, choose Reports Setup. Select Portrait 1 or 2 or Landscape 1, and then select 'Use Level One for Base Cost and Alternates.' Click OK. The folder icons for the alternates now have plus signs. When you print your reports, a total Base Bid will be printed for the costs in your first level one folder, and the following level one folders will print as additive or deductive alternates. If you need to modify the estimate, unclick the Alternates choice, make the changes, and then re-click the choice.

More questions? Contact BSD Technical Support:

• Toll Free: 800-266-7732
• In Atlanta: 404-365-9226
• Email: support@bsdsoftlink.com