Early Specification in Construction Projects: Why It Matters for Building Materials Manufacturers

Image produced by Lightbeans with our manufacturer-specific 3D textures

The importance of early specification in building projects cannot be overstated. It can significantly impact your business's success. Digital methods of working, such as 3D Textures and Physically Based Rendering (PBR) textures, are invaluable in the process. Learn more in this 3-minute read.

The Power of Early Specification

Before we discuss the importance of getting specified and how 3D Textures and PBR Textures can be your vehicle to success, let's start with the basics. In the world of construction, 'getting specified' is the process of being chosen and recommended for a project. It's a serious nod of approval, indicating that your product is the top choice for industry professionals.

Let's acknowledge the reality: securing product specifications for construction projects can be a significant challenge. But achieving specification is not only possible; it is well within reach.

To secure product specifications as a building product manufacturer, your primary focus should be nurturing relationships with architects and specifiers rather than simply pushing product sales. It is important to position your company as a leading expert on the types of products you deliver and ensure specifiers have easy access to all the information they need during their research and product selection process.

Engaging Early with the Architecture and Design Community

Early specification allows manufacturers to engage with the Architecture and Design community during the initial design phase, influencing project outcomes. During this stage, 3D Textures and PBR Textures are what get you a foot in the door. It's an important time when designers look for inspiration and products for their projects. 3D Textures combined with E-Samples make it easier for designers to envision the concept. They also facilitate product selection, accuracy, and shared information.

The design phase is crucial for manufacturers. According to the Digital Built Environment Institute, 80% of manufacturers are more likely to get specified if included in the initial design phase. Your products stand out when they come with easy-to-reach, accurate 3D tools that showcases what they can do.

Designers aren't mere customers exploring products for personal consumption. They are professionals who design buildings and suggest purchasing products to private and public clients. Specification begins with the client's concept brief. Then, it's up to the architect or designer to create a design and consider suitable products.

The Role of 3D Textures and PBR Textures in Early Specification

3D Textures and PBR Textures are digital representations that provide detailed and accurate information about a material's appearance and behavior under different lighting conditions. These textures play a crucial role in early specification by offering realistic and reliable data that aids in decision-making.

Designers assess a material's geometry, performance data, and aesthetics. If it's up to par, it's downloaded into the 3D model. Manufacturers who create and supply high-quality 3D Textures and PBR Textures immediately have a competitive advantage. You are essentially providing a time-saving shortcut to your products, speeding up the decision-making process and, as a result, the journey to specification. Lightbeans, thanks to its proprietary technology, handles the entire digitization process to transform a manufacturer's products into 3D textures, among its services.

Understanding the Architecture and Design Community and Its Processes

Every player involved in a building project relies on manufacturers like you to bring their visions to life. Specifiers depend on your product data to consolidate their work.

However, the catch is that only a minority of manufacturing companies have established effective methods for engaging with architects, leading to limited success in product specification.

At Lightbeans, you can reach a vast community of architects, interior designers, and construction professionals---all browsing for the perfect materials for their projects.

Conclusion

The journey of early specification in construction projects is an important process that extends beyond the initial texture download. By engaging with the Architecture and Design community early on and providing detailed and accurate product data through 3D Textures and PBR Textures, manufacturers can significantly enhance their chances of being specified. This not only improves the design process but also fosters long-term relationships. Embrace the power of early specification to elevate your business and achieve greater success in the competitive world of construction.

Interested in learning more about how Lightbeans can help you get your products specified? Explore our solutions today!