Product Specification Templates

In this article

• Benefits
• Types
• What to Include in a Product Specification Template
• FAQs about Product Specification Templates
• Download Product Specification Templates Using SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)
• Featured Product Specification Templates

Benefits

A product specification template proves to be a beneficial tool for businesses for many reasons. For one, it informs all relevant parties about the product’s features, requirements, and specifications. With a clear and concise document containing all essential product information, everyone can be sure they are working toward the same goal.

This template is also essential for streamlining the product development process, as it serves as a reference document which everyone can access and verify information from. Having a single source of truth helps reduce the amount of time spent on back-and-forth communication among the teams involved. This way, they can speed up the process and ensure that the product is released on time.

Lastly, a product specification template allows product development teams to create products that meet customer needs and expectations. This, in turn, results in happy and loyal customers.

Types

Product specifications generally come in three main types: functional, performance, and design. Here’s an overview of these three types:

Functional

Functional product specification templates are used to define the functions and features of a product. It typically includes the following details about the product:

• Purpose
• Capabilities
• Uses
• Size
• Weight
• Materials
• Other components

Performance

On the other hand, performance product specification templates describe how the product is expected to work. These metrics include speed, accuracy, and reliability. Moreover, this type also considers the product’s performance in varying environments, such as temperature, humidity, and vibration.

Design

Lastly, design product specification templates define how a product is built and designed, such as its shape, color, and texture. They can also specify other design elements that constitute a product, such as its dimensions, finishes, and materials.

What to Include in a Product Specification Template

The format and content of product specification templates may vary depending on the product and industry in which they are used. But at their most basic form, here are the essential things to include in the template:

• Product Overview – Start with the basic details of the product, such as its name, code, description, and purpose. Make sure to attach product images as a visual reference.
• Design Specifications – Describe the product’s physical appearance, such as its dimensions, weight, and materials. This section also includes packaging and labeling specifications for specific products.
• Performance Tests – Document all tests performed on the product, along with the quality benchmarks and results.
• Issues or Defects – Mention any known or potential problems for the product and assign corrective action to resolve them.
• Compliance Standards – Specify the laws and regulations that govern the products you’re developing. You can also note any quality, safety, or other certifications required for the product.

Apart from these basic requirements, you can tailor your product specifications to your specific needs. For example, food product specifications typically include nutritional and allergen information, whereas software product specifications incorporate user roles and integrations in the document.

Here’s an example of a product specification template when completed using a digital tool: