Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Spezifikation / Español: Especificación / Português: Especificação / Français: Spécification / Italiano: Specifica /

A Specification (Shortcut: Spec.) is a technical standard. It consists of a set of requirements to be fulfilled by the product or service. If at least one requirement is not met, the product is "out of spec."

While the above describes how a product/service should be, the term 'specification' is also used to describe, how a product/service really is. This would be more the meaning of a data-sheet.

Description

In the context of quality management, a specification refers to a detailed description of the requirements, characteristics, and standards that a product or service must meet to satisfy customer expectations. These specifications outline precise parameters regarding materials, dimensions, performance, and other essential attributes. They serve as a blueprint for design, production, and evaluation processes, ensuring consistency and conformity to desired standards. Specifications may include both qualitative and quantitative criteria, offering a comprehensive framework for quality assurance throughout the lifecycle of a product or service. They facilitate effective communication between stakeholders, such as designers, engineers, suppliers, and customers, fostering clarity and alignment of expectations. Specifications often evolve based on market trends, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and customer feedback, requiring periodic review and updates to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

Application Areas

• Manufacturing: Specifications guide the production process, ensuring products meet predefined standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Construction: Specifications dictate materials, dimensions, and construction techniques to achieve desired structural integrity and safety standards.
• Software Development: Specifications outline functionality, performance, and user interface requirements for software products, enabling developers to create reliable and user-friendly applications.
• Healthcare: Specifications define quality standards for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services, ensuring patient safety and efficacy.
• Automotive Industry: Specifications govern the design, materials, and performance criteria for automotive components and systems, enhancing vehicle reliability and performance.

Treatment and Risks

• Treatment: Regular review and updates of specifications ensure alignment with evolving standards and customer expectations. Clear communication of specifications to all stakeholders minimizes misunderstandings and discrepancies during implementation. Establishing robust quality control processes helps detect deviations from specifications early, allowing corrective actions to maintain product or service quality.
• Risks: Outdated or ambiguous specifications may lead to product failures, customer dissatisfaction, or non-compliance with regulations. Inadequate communication or interpretation of specifications can result in design flaws, manufacturing defects, or service deficiencies. Failure to adhere to specifications may incur rework costs, product recalls, or legal liabilities, damaging brand reputation and financial stability.

Examples

• Product Specification: Detailed requirements for materials, dimensions, and performance characteristics of a manufactured product.
• Service Level Agreement (SLA): Defines the quality standards, response times, and performance metrics for a service provider.
• Design Specification: Specifies the functional and technical requirements for the development of software or hardware systems.
• Regulatory Compliance Standards: Mandated specifications to ensure products meet safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Quality Control Plan: Outlines procedures, criteria, and responsibilities for monitoring and maintaining product or service quality.

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Requirements
• Standards
• Criteria
• Guidelines
• Parameters
• Specifications and Tolerances (S&T)
• Acceptance Criteria
• Technical Requirements
• Design Criteria

Weblinks

• information-lexikon.de: 'Spezifikation' in the information-lexikon.de (German)
• industrie-lexikon.de: 'Spezifikation' in the industrie-lexikon.de (German)
• finanzen-lexikon.de: 'Spezifikation' in the finanzen-lexikon.de (German)
• psychology-lexicon.com: 'Specification' in the psychology-lexicon.com

Articles with 'Specification' in the title

• Specification Setting: Specification Setting in the quality management context refers to the process of defining clear, detailed, and measurable criteria that products, services, or processes must meet to ensure quality

Summary

Specifications in quality management provide detailed guidelines and standards for products and services, ensuring they meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements. They encompass various aspects such as materials, dimensions, performance, and functionality, serving as a blueprint for design, production, and evaluation processes. Effective communication and periodic review of specifications are essential to maintain relevance and alignment with evolving standards. Clear understanding and adherence to specifications mitigate risks of product failures, compliance issues, and customer dissatisfaction, fostering quality assurance and organizational success.

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