What program are you using to write specs?

[JohnVAME]

We are currently using Word - but I don't think this is the way to go anymore.

If you do use Word do do you make your core spec? One large one fle per section?

 

[melone]

We use FrameMaker. It seems to be more stable for large files / specs. There is a learning curve, but once you get past it, it works pretty well.

 

[IRstuff]

Depends on the spec or document. We've never written a single document longer than about 150 pages, but that's not to say that it can't be done. Mostly, our specs are on the order of 40-80 pages.

In our case, we sometimes use DOORS for requirements management, so Word works OK for that.



TTFN

Eng-Tips Policies FAQ731-376

 

[FrancisL]

What sort of specifications are you writing?
For what applications?

 

[JohnVAME]

I write specifications for automated material handling systems.
So, we cover a lot of areas from mechanical, structural, controls equipment etc.

We use word now. But it seems cumbersome - I was thinking it would be nice to somehow have each section in some sort of database and somehow have revisions to the 'core' specification we use be tracked and while keeping everything centralized.

And then maybe have a screen with a checklist to include or not include certain paragraphs and the software would put together the base spec for a specific project for the you.

I think Masterspec has software out there that does similar - but we use our iwn proprietary spec.

 

[FrancisL]

Take a look at ControlDraw, it was and is designed for specifying. Primarily the automation, but also instrumentation, equipment etc.

Yes, it is my software, but I know of nothing else like it.

Rather than writing words though, you produce a Model

"was thinking it would be nice to ...database " A ControlDraw model is a database

and somehow have revisions to the 'core' specification we use be tracked and while keeping everything centralized."
It tracks versions of all the contents

"include certain paragraphs "
Well, rather than Paragraphs it has diagrams (including as much text as you want to describe the object) And you can have a library of them that you can import from or reference.

"and the software would put together the base spec for a specific project for the you."

Well, it can produce lots of things from the model, lists of everything, PDF's etc.

Francis

http://www.controldraw.co.uk

 

[DaveVikingPE]

I use SpecsIntact.

http://specsintact.ksc.nasa.gov/