Eric Lorrain, eng.
A mechanical engineer by training, Eric Lorrain spent almost 15 years working for industrial equipment manufacturers before joining Merkur. Curious and versatile, he has built production lines for local and international customers. With a strong background in machinery design and problem solving, Eric leads the implementation of assets to ensure that manufacturing companies get the production capacity they need when they need it.
The first step in any manufacturing project is to draw up specifications. Why is it useful? Is it worth the cost? What are the real benefits, and does it justify the necessary time and resources invested? All too often neglected or regarded as a formality, specifications play a central role in the success of a project.
In this article, Mr. Lorrain, a mechanical engineer and manufacturing engineering project manager at Merkur, explains in detail the importance of this approach, the key stages involved in drawing up an effective specification, the associated constraints, and the benefits it brings to project deliverables.
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Why is it important to draw up specifications?
To determine the limits of the project
A well-detailed specification helps determine the project’s barriers and limits. Whether for the manufacture of a specific product, or to encompass an entire manufacturing project, the limiting factors and starting assumptions must be clearly defined. Precise, well-thought-out specifications guarantee clear alignment of objectives and reduce variations in final results.
To determine project requirements
Drawing up an effective specification is essential for determining the needs of the customer and the project. At this stage, it’s imperative to determine the expected result clearly, to avoid obtaining results that don’t match expectations. Whether the project is large or small, the right specifications are essential for success.
GUIDE: The main steps in drawing up effective specifications
- Setting the scene with the customer: The first step is to meet the customer, whether internal or external, to better understand their specific needs. It’s important to discuss the project with the customer in order to understand the general context, the initial stakes, the risks and the role our team will play in its realization.
- Definition of general information: The specifications should include general information such as the schedule, the environmental context and the people involved in the project. It is essential to clearly define who is involved to ensure effective collaboration. Budget and cost limitations can also be included at the discretion of the author.
- Technical details and specifications: At this stage, it’s important to define in detail the various technical elements of the project, as well as each action to be taken for these different elements. Key specifications and constraints must be clearly defined. Clear images, such as 3D models and project conceptualization, can be integrated to provide a better understanding of requirements.
- Deliverables and standards: Specifications must specify the deliverables expected at the end of the project, as well as the standards to be followed. Ensure that all data included in the specifications are referenced in the purchase order to guarantee compliance with the initial requirements.
Tips for effective specifications
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the project in order to adapt the specifications accordingly. We recommend that you create a template that you use repeatedly, so that you can rely on a solid base for each new project.
The importance of drawing up specifications before starting a project
Drawing up specifications before starting a project makes project execution more predictable. This lets you know whether what has been delivered meets expectations, provides a guideline for the project, makes the process smoother, facilitates change management and avoids wasting time and money.
Vigilance points and risks
It’s important to strike the right balance when drawing up specifications, to avoid making them too complex and thus increasing costs. Overly elaborate specifications can also discourage bidders. On the other hand, failure to draw up specifications at all can lead to deliveries that don’t meet project needs, delays, budget overruns and ineffective change management.
From this article, you can see that developing effective specifications is essential to the success of manufacturing projects. By following the key steps, adopting tips to optimize your specifications and being aware of the risks and rewards, at the same time, you can optimize your processes and ensure the success of your project.
Merkur helps you draw up effective specifications
Merkur assists its customers in drawing up effective specifications, ensuring that we understand their needs, generate appropriate specifications, have them validated by the customer, and provide ongoing monitoring throughout the project. Merkur acts as an intermediary to ensure that deliverables meet customer expectations. Don’t leave your project to chance: contact us today to get your project off to a good start!
