A product requirement document (PRD) is a detailed blueprint that outlines the functional and technical specifications of a product or solution within a construction project. Unlike design plans, which focus on aesthetics and structure, a PRD defines what the product must do, how it should perform, and any constraints it must meet.
The construction materials market is estimated to reach $2.47 trillion by 2032, with a projected CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2032, which illustrates the importance of raw materials and the right products in the industry. In construction, PRDs are essential for aligning design intent with material or system performance.
What Info Do They Contain?
Construction PRDs typically include:
- Product Functionality: What the product needs to achieve
- Performance Requirements: Load-bearing capacity, energy efficiency, durability
- Technical Specs: Dimensions, materials, installation details
- Compliance Standards: Building codes, environmental regulations, certifications
- Interoperability: Compatibility with other systems or components
- Lifecycle Information: Maintenance needs, expected lifespan, recyclability
All of these help ensure the chosen products meet project goals, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Get help with your product requirement documents here.
Who Uses Them?
PRDs are vital to multiple stakeholders across the construction supply chain:
- Architects and Engineers rely on PRDs to select materials that meet design and performance expectations
- Contractors use them to guide installation and construction methods
- Project Managers leverage PRDs to monitor progress and ensure specifications are fulfilled
- Quality Control Teams refer to PRDs during inspections to validate compliance
Should Product Manufacturers/Suppliers Use Them as a Guide?
Absolutely. PRDs act as a translator between project requirements and supplier capabilities. Manufacturers who align their product offerings with PRDs are better positioned to:
- Increase product relevance during specification
- Gain a competitive edge in tenders
- Build stronger relationships with specifiers
Using PRDs as a guide helps suppliers create products that meet real-world needs and regulatory demands—while improving adoption on construction sites.
How NBS, Powered by Hubexo, Can Help
NBS, powered by Hubexo, simplifies the creation and management of PRDs by integrating intelligent specification tools with product data libraries. With NBS:
- Design teams can build PRDs using up-to-date manufacturer data
- Seamless collaboration ensures real-time updates across teams
- PRDs stay consistent with evolving regulations and standards
Whether you’re specifying, supplying, or constructing, NBS gives you the tools to streamline product documentation and drive better project outcomes.
Click here to see how you can simplify PRD management.
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It’s All About the Information
