Spec Sheet Template – How to Create a Perfect Product
A spec sheet is an exciting tool that can save you a lot of potential troubles. If used correctly, it can benefit you not only when it comes to getting the technical document out there but at every manufacturing stage of the production process.
A product sheet can make or break a company if done correctly. In this case, creating a PDF file or any other format you would like to use is always a better idea. A proper spec sheet is essential to get more things done and done the right way.
In this article, we will show you a sample of how to think about this concept, some templates for you to use, and some tips on how to get everything done the right way. If you are interested in such forms, do not change the channel! Let’s dive into some specification sheets for you to choose from!
What Kind of Software Should You Use?
But before we get into specification sheet templates, let’s start with the most critical question that is on everyone’s mind – what kind of software to use?
Well, the specification sheet template is a one-of-a-kind evaluation, so you would need software that can do a lot of things at the same time. In our experience – you just cannot go wrong with the Microsoft Office package. Whether you want to get it for one of your companies or need something for your use, Microsoft Office is a package of powerful tools that will help you not only with this particular project but also get you ahead in the future.
We highly recommend it also because it is the single most popular office tool on the planet. People all around the world can open and work on files you send out, and pretty much everyone had at least some contact with this piece of software.
And, contrary to popular opinion, it is not these expensive things we know from the past. Microsoft Office for an affordable price is not an unusual thing anymore. Especially considering the fact that there are multiple versions of this software that you can suit for your own needs.
With that in mind, let’s see what kind of templates can be used to optimize our efforts the right way.
Spec Sheet Template #1
The first one on our list is something pretty straightforward. Based on the Aircraft Specification Sheet, you can modify it to your own needs. It’s a pretty basic way of letting your stakeholders or manufacturers know what kind of specs you want to have in your project.
It’s nothing fancy, but as you can see, it can be used in multiple ways without any issues whatsoever. If you want something more complicated, it may not be enough, but for basic needs – you do not need to look further than this. You can download this template for free at TemplateLab.com.
Spec Sheet Template #2
But if you would, here is something more complicated for you to use. It’s a multi-paged, deep dive into what you would consider the single best way to get through all the complicated projects that you would need.
For example, it’s great if you want to create a dynamic template where you have multiple products, and it’s necessary to be extremely specific when it comes to what kind of materials should be included in the project.
For the most advanced purposes – this one is worth checking out. You can download this template for free at SmartSheet.com.
Spec Sheet Template #3
To be the most precise ever, we have also prepared the single best spec sheet that you have probably seen repeatedly. If you want to talk to the manufacturers in their language, this is the template you send.
Everything is laid down perfectly, and you can easily see every little detail so that no one will be able to get anything wrong. This is as obvious as it gets, with no additional elements, but it gets the job done and will be transparent to everyone in the industry. So, if you want to get things done, this is your template. You can download this template for free at TemplateLab.com.
What is Spec Sheet?
So, before getting into some details, let’s first find out what a spec sheet is. It’s a document in which you will find information about the product’s specifications. It may feel tautological, but bear with us; it gets a bit more complicated.
So, it is used to send out specific information out there, from the company to, for example, the manufacturer, if those two are not interconnected. It is used, for example, if you produce a specific thing in one place and manufacture it in another. Many clothing companies do it, which is why you often see “Made in X” on your shoes. It’s also helpful if you’re doing a construction project where everything needs to be done precisely as it is in the construction spec sheet template.
With that in mind, let’s go over some popular uses for spec sheets.
What Are Some of the Spec Sheet Uses?
There are plenty of uses when it comes to the spec sheet. As you have probably gathered from what we’ve described already, it is a pretty popular concept to manufacture things outside the company.
It has been done for centuries and will likely continue to go on. So, to keep the quality of the product, people created standards defined in the spec sheets. That way, they can lower manufacturing costs while maintaining the quality intact.
It can also be a sound bargaining chip if you try to find the best quote. Just send out the specification sheet to multiple companies and wait for their response. That way, you can see how much you will pay for those.
It’s also essential for suppliers, as if they would not get the right ingredients or half-products, they could jeopardize the whole project. For example, if you want to create high-quality, ethical-source leather shoes, you must put them in the product requirements. You will get cheap materials with fewer profit margins if you do not do that.
Let’s now go over who can benefit from using the spec sheet the most.
Customer Use
But it does not always need to be connected to the manufacturing itself. It can also provide some excellent use for customers. You can often see that kind of spec sheets on the products you are buying in the shops.
Having such an element can be a significant advantage. For example, if you would like to know specific details on how to take care of the product or what the capabilities and attributes of the said tool are, a spec sheet could be of great help.
For Contractors
You can also use a spec sheet to get bids for your manufacturing needs. Many people are willing to work with you for less than you would think if you’d just give them the correct specs. Basic requirements product sheet is essential in getting the right product delivered.
Maybe they have some leftover materials they can utilize or are willing to share. You can get better results by gathering all the offers with specialized expectations instead than general – we want to create leather shoes or whatever.
What Should be Included in Spec Sheet?
So, now that we know what a spec sheet is and how to use it, let’s talk briefly about what kind of elements should be included in such a document. As every project manager will know, if you will not have a task, the employees will not do it, so a detailed list is a necessity.
Summary of Your Case
A quick overview of all the elements of the case. The pretty standard, basic idea of what you are trying to accomplish and what you want to do.
Potential Business Advantages
If you create a spec sheet that is a pitch, you need to show your stakeholders that it will bring glory to the company at large. So, it would be great to include budgeting and the resources needed to accomplish this task.
User Experience
This element will show what kind of elements users want to have in your product. It is unnecessary per se, but if you want to convince someone that it will work or want the manufacturer to understand what they create, it can’t hurt to add this part.
Target Audience
You can also include a target audience in your pitch. Remember that it can solve a lot of problems at the start if you know who your target audience is. That way, you will be able to focus on their needs rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.
The Function of the Product
The next thing is your product’s functions. It’s essential to present what your product does and why it is important that it does it the way it was designed. That way, the manufacturers or the customers will be able to understand it and have a reference point to look back to.
How to Create a Spec Sheet?
First, you need to have a clear concept of what you are trying to achieve. Then, use it to your advantage and present all the necessary information clearly and concisely. Be sure to include all the necessary information in your product specification sheet, as it may change the way it is viewed by the customers and manufacturers.
What to Include?
You need to find out your product's essence and convert it into writing. You don’t need to go one specific route, as it could be beneficial to wander a bit out of your template to make it more precise when explaining your product.
Here are some key points to keep in mind, though.
Most Important Information
Introduction with the product’s name
Product’s code
Description of the product
Purpose
Reference photos
Specific requirements like weights, materials needed, color, etc.
Packaging and labeling specifications
Certifications and standards
Other
Spec Sheet Template – Conclusion
Thank you for checking out our article on using and creating spec sheet templates. We hope you enjoyed this article and are ready to create your own spec sheet with our special instructions.
It’s a great way to show your manufacturers what specifications and rules you need to follow to meet your expectations and what elements are the key to understanding the product. It can be much better to create a detailed instruction sheet rather than going over and over the same thing on the phone. Product spec sheet saves time and money!
If you liked this article, share it, like it, and do whatever you want. It helps a lot! And if you want more articles on various topics related to office/gaming and software, be sure to check out our great library full of those kinds of knowledge. See you at the next one!