Specification can be one of the most time-consuming parts of a project. Finding accurate product information, gathering technical documents, double-checking performance details, and making sure everything aligns with standards – it all takes time. The good news is that the NBS platform we use is here to make things easier, giving you clear, structured, trustworthy information, exactly when you need it.

If you’re new to NBS, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. That’s natural. There’s a lot there, and knowing where to begin isn’t always obvious. We’ve created this handy guide to help you navigate it, understand what Yewdale provides, and see how it supports smoother, more confident specification.

 

What is NBS?

At its core, NBS is a specification tool. It’s used by architects, designers and specifiers, and brings together consistent, high-quality product information in one structured place. Users can compare products accurately, access verified technical data, create specification-ready documentation, and ultimately work with greater efficiency during the early design and planning stages of a project.
 

Unlike a standard product library, the NBS system doesn’t just list basic information – it organises enhanced product data into a detailed, structured format. The result is a single source of truth that integrates neatly into your design and specification workflow. No more chasing information across multiple channels such as websites, product brochures and phone calls!

NBS Source – the platform behind Yewdale’s listings – includes more than 1,100 manufacturers and over 33,000 products, giving users a broad, consistent and reliable data set to work from.

 

Introducing Yewdale’s NBS

Our listed products are designed to make life easier for architects and specifiers who need commercial-grade shading solutions they can rely on. Our listings are authored to rigorous NBS standards and include both CAWS and Uniclass 2015 classifications, ensuring smooth integration into formal specs. 

On Yewdale’s NBS platform, you’ll find:

  • Product listings with structured, detailed descriptions

  • BIM objects for accurate modelling and visualisation

  • Datasheets packed with technical and performance information

  • Certificates and compliance documentation

  • Specification-ready product content that can be dropped straight into your project

Our aim is simple: we want to help you understand our products quickly, assess their suitability, and select them confidently, without needing multiple phone calls or separate document searches.

 

First-time user?

If you’re new to NBS, don’t worry. While there’s a lot of information, it’s much easier to navigate than you may think. If you haven’t used our platform before, this walkthrough will show you the way.

Step 1: Find our products

You can use the NBS functionality directly on our website, or visit our profile page on the NBS Source site. The search bar on NBS Source is really easy to use – just type in ‘Yewdale’, and we pop up. Once you’ve found us, you’ll see our full product list with filters to narrow down your options.

Step 2: Browse products
When you find a product you’re interested in, click on it. Listings are structured into sections, and you’ll see a description of the product, as well as sections showing specification and sustainability data. You can see BIM objects, too, meeting the requirements of the NBS BIM Object Standard.

Step 3: Review documentation

Alongside technical product data, you’ll also be able to find a selection of documentation designed to help you make your decision easier. Application recommendations, technical guides, and even real-life case studies from past Yewdale projects are all available directly within the product listing.

Step 4: Add to spec

Select the specification items you need and drop the content into your specification by clicking the ‘Add to spec’ button. This copies the product, allowing you to paste it into your spec. Everything exports in a way that aligns with industry standards, helping documentation stay clear and compliant.
 

Benefits of NBS

NBS platforms offer a dependable, structured, always-updated resource that supports your workflow, from early concepting to final specification. It’s a way to save time while enjoying greater confidence. 

Here are some of the biggest benefits of engaging with Yewdale’s NBS platform:

  • No more searching across multiple websites

  • No conflicting or outdated data

  • Easy comparison thanks to structured data

  • Greater confidence surrounding compliance and performance

  • Faster access to technical information
     

Committed to supporting specifiers

Our focus here at Yewdale has always been on making your job easier – not just with quality products, but with clear information, dependable documentation, and tools that support confident decision-making. The NBS platform is an extension of that. Whether you’re assessing suitability, checking performance, or preparing a full project spec, everything you need is in one place.

 

We're here to help

If you’re new to NBS or want help navigating Yewdale’s listings, our team is always happy to guide you. Whether you need clarification on a product, support with a complex specification, or help finding the right documentation, our mission is to make the process smoother for your team. 

Feel free to explore Yewdale’s NBS platform at any time – and if you need support, just get in touch.