User Guide for Running the New Update Manager (2025 Version)

Masterspec’s Update Manager is a powerful tool designed to streamline the process of keeping your building specifications up to date with the latest New Zealand building codes and standards. The newly upgraded Update Manager introduces features that make this process even more efficient and user-friendly, minimising the manual effort required from specifiers.

What is Update Manager?

 Update Manager compares your current specification sections with the latest Masterspec master sections. It highlights all changes, allowing you to review, accept, or reject updates with clarity. Masterspec’s editorial team continuously monitors regulatory updates and integrates them into the master specifications, so you don’t have to.

Key Features in the Latest Update

• Editable Clauses: Directly edit clauses within the Update Manager interface for faster adjustments.
• Smart Filters: Filter and sort changes to focus on what matters most to your project.
• Easy Copy/Paste: Effortlessly copy updated content or specific clauses into your specification.
• Productivity Boost: The interface and workflow are optimised for speed, making the update process significantly faster.
• Visual Change Tracking: Clear color-coded highlights indicate new, changed, or deleted content.
• Streamlined Environmental Document Referencing: Environmental documents are now automatically referenced and scheduled via the eCert tool, eliminating manual entry.

How to Use the New Update Manager

1. Accessing Update Manager

• Open your project in Masterspec.
• Updated work sections are indicated with an orange alarm icon ().
• Navigate to the work section you want to update.
• If updates are available, you’ll see an “Updates Available” prompt-click it to launch Update Manager.

2. Understanding the Interface

• Side-by-Side View: Your current section appears on the left; the latest Masterspec work section is on the right.
• Color Highlights:
  • Yellow: New clauses or text added by Masterspec.
  • Orange: Updated clauses by Masterspec
  • Red: Clauses or text deleted from the work section.
  • No highlight: Means both right and left clauses are identical.

3. Reviewing and Applying Changes

• Insert Clause: Click to add new (yellow-highlighted) clauses to your specification.
• Delete Clause: Removes clauses that Masterspec has deleted (highlighted in red).
• Overwrite: Accept all changes in a clause and update your section accordingly.
• Toggle Button: Switches the display to show either your current clause with changes incorporated or the latest master clause for comparison.
• Smart Filters: Use filters to focus on specific types of changes (e.g., only new clauses, only deletions).

4. Editing and Customising

• Editable Clauses: Make manual edits directly within the Update Manager before accepting changes.
• Copy/Paste: Select and copy specific content as needed, then paste it into your section.

5. Finalising Updates

• Once satisfied, use either the “Save Changes” button or "Close" button to return to your main editing screen.
• The “Save Changes” button saves your changes and removes the update notification.
• The "Close" button also saves your changes but keeps the update notification. 
• Check for Tildes (~): These mark areas requiring your attention or further editing after updates are applied.

6. Clearing the Update Prompt

If the “Updates Available” notification persists after hitting the save changes button:

1. Click “Set to Complete” in the section.
2. Confirm any warnings about unfinished edits or tildes.
3. The section will display “Work section Complete.”
4. Click “Edit” and continue working; after your next save, the update warning will disappear.

Best Practices

• Review All Changes: Carefully examine each highlighted change, especially where deletions and insertions overlap.
• Address Tildes: Always resolve any tildes left after updates, as these indicate incomplete or placeholder content.
• Leverage Filters: Use smart filters to prioritise critical updates and avoid missing important regulatory changes.
  

Summary Table of Main Actions

Support and Further Learning

• Help Articles: Visit the Masterspec website for in-depth articles and video tutorials on Update Manager.
• Webinars & Training: Attend Masterspec’s CPD webinars for live demonstrations and Q&A.
• Contact Support: If you encounter issues, reach out via the Masterspec support portal.

By using the new Update Manager, specifiers can confidently maintain compliance with evolving NZ building codes and standards, saving time and reducing risk across every project.