SpecPlanner is designed to streamline the process of adding products to your specifications and schedules. Whether you're working from a pre-existing schedule or searching for new products, SpecPlanner offers flexible options to suit your needs.
Adding Products to SpecPlanner
There are two ways to add products to SpecPlanner:
From Schedules, using the SpecPlanner toggle on each product row
From within SpecPlanner, using the Add Products button
Before You Begin
You must be a project Admin, Creator, or Editor to add products to SpecPlanner. Users with Viewer access cannot add products.
Products must first be saved to a project schedule before they can be added to SpecPlanner from Schedules. If a product isn't in your schedule yet, use the Add Products button in SpecPlanner to search and add directly.
If you're adding a Custom Product (one not in the Acelab catalog), have the product name and category ready. Other details like URL and images are optional.
Adding Products from Schedules
Navigate to Schedules
Locate the product you want to add to your specifications
Click the SpecPlanner icon to the left of the product image
The product is automatically added to SpecPlanner in the MasterFormat section associated with that product. Notice that the SpecPlanner icon will turn to green to indicate that the product has been added to SpecPlanner.
Note:
If the product's MasterFormat section isn't currently visible in SpecPlanner, it will automatically become visible to accommodate the product.
If the product is a Custom Product (i.e., it doesn't have a MasterFormat section by default), you'll be prompted to define the correct MasterFormat section before it's added.
Using the "Add Products" option in SpecPlanner
Click the Add Products button in SpecPlanner, where you will see four options:
Select from Project
Select products that are already saved in Schedules. This allows for seamless integration between your Schedules and SpecPlanner
In the Select from Project modal, you can browse the products that exist in your schedules. Use the Search bar and Category and Manufacturer Filters to facilitate finding the right products.
Explore Products
Search the full Acelab product catalog without leaving your project.
Click Add Products > Explore Products
Type a keyword in the search bar and press Enter to search. This search uses Acelab's natural-language technology, so type in anything, including a question, if you wish to do so! Or, if you know what you are looking for, type in the manufacturer and/or product name.
Use the Category and Manufacturer filters to narrow results, if needed
Select one or more products from the results. Products already in your Firm Library are marked with a Firm Library badge. Products already in your project are marked with an Already in Project badge.
Click Add Products to add your selections to the current schedule and SpecPlanner. You can add multiple products at once.
Can't find what you're looking for? You can add a Custom Product directly from the no-results state. Enter a name and category to create a placeholder you can update later.
Select from Firm Library
Browse and add products your firm has already saved to the Firm Library.
Click Add Products > Select from Firm Library.
Use the search bar or filters to locate products in your library.
Select the products you want to add and click Add Products.
4. Add a Custom Product
Use this option when the product you need isn't in the Acelab database yet.
Click Add Products > Add Custom Product.
Enter a product name and select the appropriate category.
Add any optional details (URL, image, notes) and save.
Replacing a Product
You can replace any product in SpecPlanner with a different one from the catalog.
Click the three dots (⋮) to the right of the product. Select Replace Product.
The Explore Products modal opens in Replace mode. Search for and select the catalog product you want to use instead.
Click Replace Product to confirm.
Best Practice recommendation
SpecPlanner and Schedules are fully integrated. When you add a product to Schedules, it's available to add to SpecPlanner with a single click. We recommend:
Set up your SpecPlanner sections first.
Research and manage product approvals in Schedules.
Click the SpecPlanner icon next to approved products to add them to your specifications.