Product catalog, configurator and specification software for AutoCAD, etc.

BuyDesign® Spec-In enables you to deliver an easy to use electronic product catalog with an embedded product configurator to architects and other designers for their use directly within the AutoCAD design system. Additional versions of BuyDesign Spec-In are planned for use with InventorT, Microsoft VisioT, and other popular design software products.

BuyDesign Spec-In makes it extremely easy for designers to specify your products as part of their design process, and much faster for dealers to create quotes and orders for the selected products. It is intended for use by manufacturers of any product that might be specified at design time - for instance, building products such as windows and doors, cabinets, HVAC equipment, etc

Design Process

BuyDesign Spec-In is an easily downloaded and installed software application with an embedded product catalog that integrates seamlessly with a designer's existing AutoCAD system. In effect, it becomes a part of the designer's AutoCAD system as a standard AutoCAD plug-in.

Catalog information can include guided selection tools, product options, configuration criteria, product images, any type of related documents, and links to additional information on the manufacturer's web site. With the optional BuyDesign Flex2D component , the catalog can even include dynamic models to help the designer develop complex products and combination units (e.g. mulled window units with grill bar alignment).

Intelligent Design Blocks

When the designer selects and configures a product, BuyDesign Spec-In automatically creates an intelligent design block that can be inserted directly into the AutoCAD drawing. Each block carries with it all of the product dimensions and attributes captured during the configuration process.

Product Schedules

Product schedules can then be exported and sent electronically to the manufacturer's sales channel (e.g. a dealer or distributor) to be imported into BuyDesign Channel Sales for quotation and ordering. The designer can attach additional documents or drawings to the schedule to better communicate any special requirements. This electronic "take-off" process saves both the designer and dealer considerable time while also ensuring accuracy.

BuyDesign Spec-In supports schedule modification and re-validation to make it easy for the designer to work with the end customer to develop the final design. For large projects, schedules can be exported/imported among multiple designers for collaborative development.

Automatic Updates via the Internet

The BuyDesign software and all catalog contents are automatically updated via the Internet whenever there are changes using BuyDesign InTouch - no need to publish or send CDs.