Portland, Maine (June 8, 2021) – Chalkline, Inc. released the BIM integration and coordination tool set for Federal SpecsIntact projects utilizing the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS).  New functionality developed in VisiSpecs include UFGS Master synchronization tools, SpecsIntact project management tools, and integration and access of the UFGS project specs directly in Autodesk Revit applications. The BIM integration will result in higher quality and coordinated design documents as well as an integrated project delivered to clients.

Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) are a joint effort of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (HQ AFCEC), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). UFGS are for use in specifying construction for military services.

A BIM subject matter expert stated, “VisiSpecs usage within our organization has shown time/labor savings of 4 times over our previous MS Word editing process and supports the wide variety of projects and masters used here.” VisiSpecs integration with Microsoft Word enables easy access to specs and related files, a quick learning curve, support for the widest variety of specs, and the robust and familiar Microsoft Word feature set.

VisiSpecs enables the integration of documents with the BIM model without any model changes required facilitating design and construction coordination and ease of data access. The BIM SME added, “Where VisiSpecs really shines is the simple and intuitive linking between our Autodesk Revit content and the required spec sections enabling a more seamless design process. The integration of the model and specs can be shared with the Client for use in review, construction, commissioning, and other processes. Now the coordination between our designers and the spec writers is seamless, they all work out of a unique platform.” Additionally, VisiSpecs provides keynote management, keynote assignment to BIM elements, and verification tools to improve design quality while saving coordination time.

The new VisiSpecs SpecsIntact (UFGS) integration enables central storage of all project design specification data directly from Microsoft Word, yet the familiar editing with the SpecsIntact Editor. The automation and coordination of the required UFGS project specs based on the model key links saves time while decreasing errors and omissions. Ease of access to the linked UFGS specs based on the selection of a model element facilitates data access through the visual 3D model. Delivery of the integrated project model and specs enhances the client access, verification, and future build phases.

The VisiSpecs SpecsIntact integration is bundled with VisiSpecs subscriptions without any additional licensing fees. Visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to learn more about VisiSpecs and to request a free trial, register for live webinars, see customer testimonials, and download product information.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs^® is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com.

Portland, Maine (December 1, 2020) – Chalkline, Inc. has published a case study on the selection, implementation, and success of deploying and using VisiSpecs at Black & Veatch.

The Black & Veatch evaluation of available spec tools quickly showed VisiSpecs not only met the company’s needs, but provided additional submittal reporting, editing features, and publishing capabilities exceeding expectations. Specific features users liked were the automatic Doc Outliner spec editing tool, submittal reporting, automatic header/footer and table of contents creation, and Microsoft Word familiarity, all of which exceeded expectations. “The upgrade to VisiSpecs for our engineers has been a smooth process with high user adoption and low tech support.  I highly recommend VisiSpecs,” stated Michael Etheridge, Global Chief Engineer, Black & Veatch.

Read the complete case study and other customer testimonials here.

Visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to learn more about the VisiSpecs applications, request a free trial, register for live webinars, see customer testimonials, and download product information.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs^® is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com.

Portland, Maine (September 16, 2020) – Chalkline has released a major upgrade to VisiSpecs, The Visual Specification System, in multiple areas of the products and user management.

Keynote Management and Assignment have been very popular with customers needing to improve efficiencies and identify coordination issues easier. VisiSpecs v20.2 updates the Keynote Management with a new Keynote File Manager giving customers the ability to track keynote files with user and version information, new user access restrictions, and streamlined new project setup.  The VisiSpecs Keynote Manager includes customer-requested features such as Approval status for management overseeing keynote selection and verbiage, easier new keynote creation, and multiple new user interface improvements.

In addition to the management of keynotes and keynote files, the VisiSpecs v20.2 applications include assignment and verification tools enabling customers to streamline their processes even further.   Selection of keynotes for assignment, approval of keynotes, and user roles for managing versus assigning keynotes facilitates improved product design and delivery. With keynote management in Autodesk Revit as well as Microsoft Word, managers can now review a selection of keynotes and their drawing assignment and placement improving design quality. VisiSpecs’ new Zoom to keynote feature makes it fast and easy to review and correct keynote assignment, placement, and missing keynotes enabling easier verification and access to data.

Document Parameters have been added which enable customers to better manage and report on criteria such as document volume, reviewer, issue dates, discipline, and user-defined parameters with easy assignment, viewing, selection, and reporting on parameters.  Additional user-requested features such as new user roles, user management, simplified project access, Split Face linking to specs for finishes, the ability to restore deleted projects, document filter automation improvements, BIM 360 doc management support, and improved Newforma Submittal integration.

All customers under subscription have been updated with v20.2 VisiSpecs. Visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to learn more about the VisiSpecs applications, request a free trial, register for live webinars, read customer testimonials, and download product information.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs^® is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com. Autodesk^®, the Autodesk logo and Revit^® are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. 

Portland, Maine (February 26, 2020) – Chalkline, Inc. has released a major update to the VisiSpecs Keynote Manager responding to the demand for spec integration and coordination and keynotes. Working closely with users providing valuable input into the functionality, the update is available to all users in both VisiWord and VisiRevit applications.

Project Architects and Engineers have been manually typing text drawing notes which wasted a lot of time and did not provide any consistency in naming conventions. Further delays and issues were found in assigning keynotes to model elements and materials without basic features like search, comments, and the ability to edit keynotes on the fly.

Additionally, the lack of coordination with the design specifications required manual and error-prone coordination checking to determine which keynotes to provide the detailers. Otherwise, detailers were easily selecting the wrong keynotes from the master list resulting in further errors and omissions. Without automatic coordination with the project specifications, keynotes were a separate island of data to maintain with inevitable coordination errors introduced.

Designers wanted a consistent set of approved annotations integrated with the project specs ensuring repeatable high-quality product delivered to Owners. 

Chalkline released the first available keynoting solution providing integration with the specifications, easy assignment to model elements and materials, and verification of placed keynotes on the drawings. The VisiSpecs Keynote Manager is directly in Autodesk Revit or Microsoft Word which users already have installed and use rather than learning a new tool set. Automatic filtering of master keynote files based on the project specifications provides huge time savings over manual processes. Keynote comments assist management and detailers in tracking when and where certain keynotes should be used. As the project specs and modeling phases continue, the VisiSpecs Keynote Management provides fast and easy coordination checks tracking which keynotes have been assigned and which have been placed on the drawings.

All customers under subscription have access to the Keynote Management functionality which is integrated into all VisiSpecs licenses.

Those interested in learning more should visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to request the free trial, register for live webinars, read customer testimonials, and download product information.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs^® is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com.

Portland, Maine (January 22, 2019) – Chalkline has released a major update to VisiSpecs, The Visual Specification System. New publication, doc formatting, and additional BIM integration and collaboration tools lead the new functionality list. Chalkline is working closely with VisiSpecs users to improve efficiencies while adding new value add features.  Customers requesting product improvements or reporting issues are seeing a rapid turnaround with Chalkline’s rolling release schedule.

Chalkline has increased its market-leading BIM integration functionality in VisiSpecs v19 enabling Microsoft Word users to access Autodesk® Revit® BIM model data for integration, collaboration, and verification purposes.  VisiRevit includes a VisiSpecs Cloud Server sync of the model data including elements, materials, sheets, views, and type properties.  VisiWord users can then view and markup the sheets and views collaborating with the rest of the team and easily see a list of what has been added, removed, or changed in the BIM model since the last sync.  Non-Revit users can link the model elements and materials to the required specs directly in VisiWord, automatically insert the required specs, and verify the coordination of the production set of drawings and specs prior to submission reducing RFIs, addendums, and change orders.

Publication of the project manual includes new functionality with v19 such as new Table of Contents (TOC) templates and processing, automatic application of Page Layouts to all project docs, and easier management of PDF files imported into the project.  The new TOC templates are based on customer requests including issued and revised dates, project and document merge fields, page counts for all project files, and more control over the style format of the TOC doc.  The new TOC integration with Microsoft Word enables advanced style and formatting control in a familiar user application reducing the learning curve.

Users with large deployments across their enterprise will also see the requested project search capability and administrative control over external users and shared projects.  All users will appreciate a new local user settings storage container maintaining preferences and settings after a Windows, Word, or VisiWord software update.  VisiSpecs V19.0 also includes more help messages built into the applications reducing new user learning curve, better local file management, and improvements on the new user experience.  Customer input and priority assignment continue to be critical to Chalkline’s product development process.

Visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to learn more about VisiSpecs solutions, request a free trial, register for live webinars, read customer testimonials, and download product information.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs^® is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com. Autodesk^®, the Autodesk logo and Revit^® are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.