What is a specification set?

Answer

In Procore, a specification set is used to describe a single specification file or a group of multiple specification files that are related to each other and should be grouped together within the same set.

Example
  • On small construction projects, the design team might deliver a single specifications book (aka "Spec Book") as a single PDF file.
  • On more complex projects, the design team might create a unique set of PDF files to address requirements for different project phases (or for particular scopes of work). 
  • Over the course of a project, a change order might result in an Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI) with multiple files added to a single set or with each file added to its own unique set.

Considerations for Creating a New Set

Before you create a new specification set, take these questions into considerations:

  • Are the new specifications file a revision to a previously uploaded specifications file?
    • If yes, you may want to upload the newer file as a revision to existing spec sections.
    • If no, it might make more sense to upload the file into a new specification set.
  • Are items within your project (for example, submittals, RFIs, and so on.) linked to existing spec sections?
    • If yes, and the new specifications file that you want to upload into Procore contains changes that affect the same spec sections, you may want to upload the newer file as a revision to existing spec sections as opposed to creating a new specification set in order to preserve the linking between the related item and the related spec section.

Since there is no right or wrong way to use specification sets, the key takeaway is to understand how you can best use specification sets on your project to give you better visibility and control over all of your project's specifications. 

See Also