The American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA) new BIM Task Group met for the first time on June 2 during the organization’s Summer Conference. This task group is leading the charge to identify important attributes of fenestration products to incorporate into BIM tools, making it easier for specifiers to use these building products in their projects.

"One of the BIM Task Group goals is to create a standard for non-residential fenestration products where users of BIM files can understand the level of information contained within the manufacturer's model," said task group chairman Mike Turner, YKK AP America. "This will help 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."

According to Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO, "BIM is already gaining traction in the Midwest, as the Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of State Facilities has completed the task of preparing the BIM Guidelines and Standards for implementation in July 2009. These guidelines will be required on all construction (new and addition/alteration) with total project funding of $5 million or greater. This is just one example of how BIM is becoming more accepted by building officials and is expected to spread nationwide."

The task group will continue its work by holding a subsequent conference call prior to its meeting at the AAMA National Fall Conference, Sept. 20-23, 2009, in Henderson, Nev. More information about AAMA and its activities can be found at www.aamanet.org.