ARCOM Launches Altarix, SpecWare's Latest Software for Creating MasterSpec-Based Specifications

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

ARCOM has introduced AltarixTM, new specification productivity software that gives specifiers complete control over their specifications to produce consistent, accurate, and complete project manuals.

Altarix goes beyond the basic capabilities of traditional specification editors – which often include the means to edit text, select options, and globally format sections in a project – and allows users to reuse specification sections from existing projects to create new, custom sections.

Altarix offers a range of features specifically designed for specifiers, including:

  • A smart Q&A tool and new on-screen editor
  • A notes tool to add project notes and automatically track their status and resolution
  • A navigation tool to easily jump from one location in a section to another
  • A status panel bar to track completion progress for each section.

"With Altarix, specifiers can now change their specs as fast as clients change their minds," said Christopher Bushnell, ARCOM's president and CEO. "Altarix is designed for specifiers, by specifiers, with built-in global formatting, intelligent optional text, and navigation capabilities – among the many new tools essential to specifiers. By applying smart technology to specification writing, Altarix reinforces the emerging use of high-tech systems as the industry evolves. We're very excited for MasterSpec users to experience the simplicity and unparalleled productivity enhancements of Altarix."

  • The new program also simplifies the production of complete project manuals by:
  • Generating on-demand table of contents
  • Generating on-demand tracking and management reports, including submittal logs
  • Tracking important design and code criteria in an easy-to-use, centrally located project summary
  • Globally formatting all sections of each project
  • Allowing specifiers to export their Altarix documents straight to Microsoft Word.

Integrated into the Altarix platform is ARCOM's SpecAgent companion resource, a tool that connects the specifications to relevant information about building product manufacturers, including product comparison tables, references and standards, product details, and contact information.

Availability

Altarix is available immediately for MasterSpec Architectural/Structural/Civil and related libraries for an additional fee to the MasterSpec license. MasterSpec clients with licenses for the Mechanical/Electrical and related libraries, as well as the new Historic Preservation Library, will have access to the Altarix software and database later this year. For more information on Altarix, please contact ARCOM at 800.424.5080.

Outreach Outlook: Springing into Action – The Season of Growth
March 2026

There is a distinct shift in the air when March arrives. You can feel it on the job sites, and you can certainly feel it in the classrooms. As the winter chill begins to lift and the days are a little longer, the construction industry naturally wakes up f

Chairman's Message: Laying the First Brick - A Fresh Start
March 2026

As we head into a new year, I’m excited and, honestly, grateful to step into the role of Chairman of the Mason Contractors Association of America. This industry has been good to my family, and I see this role as a chance to give back and help move things

GEN NXT: 2026 Skills Challenge Winners
March 2026

After another successful year of the Skills Challenge, the MCAA had the opportunity to speak with the three 1st Place winners of each skill level. Get to know their journeys, motivations, and the mindsets they have in order to compete in a national compet

2026 World of Concrete Recap
March 2026

The 2026 World of Concrete Convention marked another successful year for masonry. From the world-renowned Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions to the new innovative GEORGE AI class, we gained a lot of ground in pushing this indust