July 5, 2002—Building Systems Design (BSD) has announced that the new versions of its specification-writing products, BSD SpecLink and PerSpective, are now available. Released in early June 2002, the new editions have improved features that include a new interface with reduced dependence on color cues, and wizard capability for adding intelligence to office master specifications.
BSD SpecLink is used for preparing construction specifications, while PerSpective is designed for preparing performance specifications early in a project, before building materials and systems have been selected. Both products are sold on an annual subscription basis primarily to design professionals. In response to requests from subscribers with various types of colorblindness, BSD has made a number of changes designed to complement color cues in the software with shape and position markers. For instance, paragraph status indicators now change shape as well as color to indicate link status.
Another major new feature in both BSD SpecLink and PerSpective is the ability to attach a tag to any paragraph. 28 different tags are available, and most are used to generate special reports for a project. For example, paragraphs calling for shop drawing submittal would have an SD (shop drawings) tag attached. According to BSD, by using these tags creatively, a specifications specialist can add an “amazing amount of intelligence” to an office master specification that is used by non-specialists within the firm.
For more information about any of the products in the BSD SoftLink suite, contact Robert Paul Dean at 888/BSD-SOFT (888-273-7638). PowerPoint presentations and software demonstrations are also available at BSD SoftLink.
