The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced the release of an updated version of AIA Contract Documents® software as well as new Construction Manager documents. Guided by extensive input from hundreds of Contractor, Owner, Architect and Attorney users of AIA Documents, the updated software features easier project and document management, flexible dialogs allowing for easier document completion, Microsoft Excel® capabilities in several G-Series forms and one-click custom template creation.
The new Construction Manager documents include new documents in the Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa) and Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) families. Collectively called the “4.0 Release,” this new software and documents release builds on AIA Contract Documents’ 120 years of experience in defining the contractual relationships in the design and construction industry and deliver additional value, ease of use and new features that address users’ needs.
“AIA Contract Documents software is now better and easier to use than ever before,” said Maan Hashem, Managing Director, AIA Software Products and Services. “This latest software update continues the AIA’s long-standing tradition of providing documents that are easy to access and use while promoting collaboration and offering unique, time saving functionality and compatibility. No other standard documents software on the market offers this level of flexibility in such a user-friendly platform.”
Easier Project and Document Management
AIA software now allows users to view, select and manage projects and documents from one centralized screen. Users can view both their active and archived documents in one location as well as sort a list of projects based on various criteria, such as Last Modified, Last Accessed or Project Name. By centralizing all project functions in one easy-to-use location, users can quickly find projects without lengthy searching. Storing documents is also made easier with the addition of new tools that allow users to create folders and subfolders within each project.
Easier to Enter and Complete Documents
The new approach to entering information helps users complete required project-specific data quickly and accurately, saving time and providing an extra degree of flexibility unmatched in other standard documents software. Users can enter information via a template which interacts with the document, so information entered into the draft is automatically recognized. Similarly, information entered into the template automatically populates the required fields within the document. It also recognizes when project information in the document varies from the same information stored in the project record and alerts the user to the discrepancy.
Microsoft Excel Format for Select G-Form Drafts
AIA Contract Documents’ new software now provides Microsoft Excel format for handling calculations in select Applications and Certificates for Payment; Continuation Sheets; Project Applications & Project Certificates for Payment; Project Application Summaries and Summaries of Contractors’ Applications for Payment.
Users can quickly import information from existing forms and Excel automatically updates all values when information is entered or edited. It also automatically performs calculations, eliminating the need to manually update calculations or totals in a draft document. Additionally, users can easily edit and share copies of the Excel format document.
One-Click Custom Templates Creation
Users who want to regularly reuse favorite edits, clauses and custom information from existing documents can now quickly create a custom template with one click. This new feature saves users valuable time by eliminating the need to reenter data or edit draft documents and allows users to easily reuse preferred language and edits.
New Documents in the Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa) Family and Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) Family
In addition to software upgrades, the AIA is also introducing new documents in the 4.0 Release. The new CMa and CMc documents are replacement documents that incorporate the key concepts found in many of the AIA Contract Documents released in 2007 and 2008, including:
• Dispute Resolution check box enables parties to select the method of binding dispute resolution.
• Initial Decision Maker (IDM) fill point where the owner and contractor may identify a neutral third-party IDM other than the architect.
• Digital Data provisions encourage project participants to establish protocols governing the transmission and use of digital data.
The CMa documents also include a contractor payment check box where the owner and contractor can select the method of payment from three choices: stipulated sum, cost of the work plus a fee with a guaranteed maximum price or cost of the work plus a fee without a guaranteed maximum price.
More information about the CMa documents can be found at here. More information about the CMc documents can be found here.
Availability
The new version of AIA Contract Documents software and new Construction Manager Documents will be available beginning April 30, 2009. More information about AIA Contract Documents, can be found at www.aia.org/contractdocs.
AIA Contract Documents software can be purchased at http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/purchase.
Documents in paper form are available through the AIA’s full service distributors. For a listing of full service distributors and pricing information, please visit www.aia.org/docs_purchase.
About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.
