Chapter 10 Product Selection and Evaluation develops the concept of the dual nature of design, which was first introduced in Chapter 8 (Design). There is a direct relation between who develops the documents and the project delivery method selected.  

Through product selection is required to:

•   Establish performance requirements for products, assemblies, equipment, as well as the facility itself.
• Identify types of products with attributes that comply with the performance requirements that are established for the project.
• Obtain product information from product representatives.
• Select specific products based on their history of perfomance in like applications, their compatibility with other selected products, and their life cycle value.
• Consider alternatives.
• Present product selections to the owner.
• Document Selections.

Types of Products
Know definition of term product, which can be categorized into various types.

• Materials
• Commodities
• Products
  • Standard Products
  • Custom Products
    When evaluating custom products, note the following possible considerations:
    • Prepayment
    • Submittals
    • Minimum Purchase Orders
    • Custom Colors
    • Lead Time
    • Testing and Certification
    • Proprietary Products
  • Assemblies/Fabrications
  • Equipment

Importance of Product Selection and Evaluation
Select appropriately for the project and their completed facility. Review possible questions to consider, before deciding on a product. (Review PDPG - Chapter 10, p. 192.)

Obtaining Product Information
Note influence of the Internet in the selection process. Note list of sources of information about the aesthetic and technical aspects of a product. (Review PDPG - Chapter 10, p. 193.)

The Evaluation and Selection Process
Note the relation between effective evaluation and selection products with the decision-making process.

• Initial Product Identification
• Establishing Product Criteria
  • The Nature of Attributes - Three considerations:
    • Requirements
    • Criteria
    • Tests
      Note Figure 10.1, a reference guide example.
  • Project Requirements - The project schedule has two basic influences:
    • Schedule for design delivery
    • Product delivery
  • Project Delivery
    Note Table 10.1 on "Project Stages, Decisions, and Information Needs."
• Determining Applicable Criteria
• Attribute Categories for Evaluation
  Review PDPG - Chapter 10, pages 203-209.
  • General Considerations
  • Physical Properties
  • Performance
  • Sustainability
  • Safety and Protection
  • Manufacturers
  • Installers
  • Cost
  • Maintenance - Know the following considerations and terms.
    • Product Design
    • Maintenance Cycles
    • Maintenance Training
    • Maintenance Supplies
    • Manufacturer or Distributor Support Services
• Services That Produce Representatives Provide
  • Techanical Assistence
  • Assistance in Preparing Specifications
  • Assistance in Preparing Drawings
  • Estimating Costs
  • Representative Costs
  • Project Conditions
  • Manufacturers
    • Fabrication - Shop Assembly, Shop Finishing, and Tolerances
    • Testing and Certification
    • Installer and Fabricator Qualifications
    • Cost Considerations
      • Size of Project
      • Choice of Contractor Installer/Subcontractor
      • Time of Year
      • Use of Standard Materials
      • Other factors such as site conditions, labor rates dictated by law (aka prevailing wage rates), and availability of authorized/experienced installers
    • Code Considerations

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