NBS, the leading provider of connected construction information, today launches NBS Source, a cloud-based platform for construction product information that helps specifiers make more informed product decisions for their projects. For manufacturers, it is a powerful tool to present accurate product information to customers. Source will revolutionise construction specification.
- Unrivalled cloud-based digital library of construction product information which will revolutionise the way products are specified. Standardised presentation of data will make it easy to compare similar construction products.
- Dynamic product search using ‘natural language’ makes it faster to find the right product for any project.
- A powerful tool for manufacturers and specifiers to prepare for the changes to the regulatory framework with high-quality digital product data .
- Specifiers and manufacturers can collaborate on specifications in real-time.
With new building safety regulation expected later this year, NBS Source is launching at the ideal time for the industry. Soon, new regulation will have a direct impact on construction product manufacturers, and how legally they will be required to present product information. They will be expected to provide more detailed data, use standardised systems and adopt a transparent attitude to data sharing.
Beyond this, specifiers, contractors and clients will be required to keep detailed, robust records throughout a project’s entire duration. As a result, the industry’s attitude to the culture of ‘spec breaking’ is likely to dramatically change.
This new direction was highlighted at the NBS Construction Product Leaders’ Summit in February, where Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Transition Board to establish the new Building Safety Regulator, called on construction product manufacturers to refresh their standards and processes, moving towards digital solutions. She said, “Product testing, marketing, labelling and approval processes are flawed, unreliable and behind the times.”
NBS Source will accelerate decision making for specifiers and provide manufacturers with peace-of-mind their product data is being presented correctly. Manufacturers will have to provide consistent properties and values, as well as performance criteria and show third-party certification for their products.
