What signifies a document outlining performance expectations for a product?

A specification serves as a formal document that delineates the performance expectations, fundamental characteristics, and requirements for a product or system. It outlines what is to be delivered, detailing aspects such as dimensions, materials, tolerances, performance criteria, and testing methods, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear and consistent understanding of what is expected. This clarity helps in guiding the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance processes, ultimately aiming for compliance with the outlined performance standards.

In contrast, documents like blueprints focus primarily on the visual representation and design of components, manuals provide instructions for operation or maintenance, and procedures describe the steps to be followed during a process. While these documents are integral to the overall lifecycle of a product, they do not specifically encapsulate the comprehensive performance expectations that a specification does.