Schaumberg, Ill. -- The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is surveying architects, specifiers, general contractors and other members of the building team to learn about their use of building information modeling (BIM) programs. The data will be used by the AAMA BIM Task Group to develop the first standard that addresses commercial fenestration products within BIM.

AAMA invites building team members to complete the 10-question online survey www.surveymonkey.com/s/AAMA_BIM_SURVEY_2010, which should take less than five minutes for most participants to complete.

"The purpose in developing a standard for commercial fenestration products is to better assist users of BIM files in understanding the level of information contained within the manufacturer's model. This will benefit the overall industry by standardizing the data contained within the model so that BIM can be implemented across a broad range of products efficiently and effectively," says Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO.

He continues, "Ideally, BIM tools can help identify and resolve design challenges before construction begins in the field. Research has shown that BIM helps decrease change orders, increase the use of pre-engineered products and accelerate project schedules, which each contribute to saving time and money. When these models vary from location to location, the intended advantages may be significantly reduced."

AAMA's BIM preliminary survey results will be reviewed at the association's 73rd Annual Conference to be held Feb. 14-17, 2010, in Palm Springs, Calif. The AAMA BIM Task Group seeks to present a copy of the document for a vote in September 2010.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found at www.aamanet.org.

AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.(SM)