The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recently unveiled a demonstration of its new Next Generation Service. The new service follows the release of the Sustainability Guide, which was developed to assist users of AIA Contract Documents in understanding contractual considerations unique to sustainable design and construction projects.
The next generation AIA Contract Documents service, which will represent a significant innovation in accessibility, security, flexibility, affordability and ease of use for the design and construction industry. This new service will allow AIA Contract Documents users to have access to the AIA Contract Document library and all drafts and final documents anytime from anywhere with an internet connection from either a PC or Mac.
More details about the Next Generat Service following the break.
Accessible AIA Contract Documents users will have access to the AIA Contract Document library and all drafts and final documents anytime from anywhere with an internet connection from either a PC or Mac.
Secure To ensure the security and privacy of users’ documents, the new AIA service will utilize multiple layers of protection, including enhanced log-in security, encrypted upload and download of information and storage of documents at a world-class host facility with state of the art backup systems.
Flexible The new service allows parties to work online or offline so that users can download a draft to a personal computer and continuing working offline, if desired. It also grants the freedom to share and edit documents online among multiple parties from multiple locations without ever having to email documents.
Affordable New purchase options offer users greater value and affordability. This includes flexible licenses such as unlimited use of a select bundle of fully editable electronic documents most frequently used by profession, such as a contractor or an architect bundle as well as a one-time purchase option of single, fully editable documents as needed, allowing users to pay as they go, instead of purchasing an annual subscription. With these options, users get what they need, when they need it, and they can choose the right size package for the way they work.
Easy to Use Every step of the way, this new service is revolutionizing the way AIA Contract Documents users select, draft, share and finalize their documents.
- Selecting the Right Document – Full text search options allow users to search the library for documents that include key words or use the “Help me find an AIA template” tool to locate the right document for their project. Users can also use the new Agreement Comparison Tool to compare key features of up to three documents, and the new service offers users the ability to preview the documents prior to starting a new draft.
- Drafting Your Document – The Online Editor works like a standard word processing interface, allowing users to do things like track changes and change fonts. In addition, the Clause Library allows users to re-use language, such as project name, throughout a document or across multiple documents, saving significant time.
- Sharing Your Document – This end-to-end solution allows users to share documents with multiple parties with a simple click. Parties can review and track changes online whether or not they have an AIA Contract Documents license. All along the way, the system tracks the review status from all parties with whom the document was shared.
- Finalizing Your Document – Users can save and print PDF finals of all documents from the online system, as well as provide digital signatures for quick sign-off.
“This new AIA service reflects input from thousands of Contractors, Architects, Owners and Attorneys. Based on this feedback, the AIA is setting a new Industry Standard for the design and construction market,” said Molly Lindblom, Managing Director AIA Contract Documents.
Demonstrations and additional information about the new web platform will be available at the AIA Contract Documents booth at AIA Convention 2011, being held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on May 12-14.
