One of the most important product-related documents is the product spec sheet, which can be released for any kind of product, such as equipment or food products. This document contains a detailed description of the product, all the requirements related to the production process as well as technical and functional aspects of the product. A good product spec sheet is customer-focused and concise yet thorough, containing everything about the product, but without any fluff.
A product spec sheet should be a broad overview with numerous sections that detail the individual components that should be delivered in a product. A well-written product spec sheet can prevent misunderstandings with customers and ensure the final product meets expectations. A product spec sheet should include a product summary and a features and requirements list, including what the product is, what it does, how it will work and why it’s needed. It should include non-functional specs as well as functional specs that provide a more technical product description.
In the food industry, the number of protocols and documents required during the production process can quickly skyrocket to guarantee food safety and a higher food quality. To meet this goal and standard, the food product and raw material specifications sheets primarily inform about the ingredients of each product and its condition of production. A product spec sheet for food products will include information such as production method, identification, ingredients, delivery, expiration date, transport and storage, package size, and possible contamination. It will also list sensory properties, nutritional values, declaration of allergens and quality management methods. Customers and legal authorities require food product spec sheets as proof that a product follows food safety regulations and is of good quality.
When products have a well-prepared and proper spec sheet, it not only helps with compliance requirements from food laws, but also for potential customers to make up their minds about what they think of a product. Product spec sheets are designed to highlight the main attributes of a particular product, while also explaining its performance capabilities under a variety of different circumstances. When a customer has very specific product needs, this information can be invaluable.