The drawings said one thing. The purchase order said another. What got delivered? A lawsuit.
Spec mismatch isn’t always a misread. It’s often a systems breakdown. In one recent high-rise project, a shift in spandrel glazing spec (from clear to acid-etched) was communicated between architect and contractor—but never to the distributor. The job proceeded, panels were installed, and then rejected during final inspection.
The root cause?
No version control on architectural drawings
RFIs not routed back through the sourcing pipeline
PO processed from original, outdated plans
Distributors are adding spec verification as a formal quote stage—especially for coated glass, ceramic frit patterns, and bird-safe applications. Matching a spec sheet to a PO is no longer enough. You need to confirm against the most current project intent.
