In this fast paced world of new products and technology,  how do architects and fabricators keep up with it all?

 Energy savings, Leadership in Energy and Environment Design ratings, sustainability, durability, flexible design and condensation resistance are just a few of the many topics on the minds of architects, glazing contractors and fabricators today. All of them are asking "how do I know which product is really the right one for my application?"

Building Information Modeling software and its associated libraries have the potential to be one of the future primary resources for building component research. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, BIM is a software used to create a three-dimensional, electronic model of a building. This is no ordinary CAD drawing, however. BIM software shows the building in real-time, even as it ages, and provides important data, such as building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components.

While BIM software is already available, there are still some missing links, particularly in the area of building component information. A comprehensive library of available products is underway, so architects will be able to plug different building components into their designs to decide which will provide the best value and functionality.

Until BIM hits the mainstream, a little more legwork is needed to learn about the available building products and how they will fit into an architect’s design. In this column we will explore a few sources for getting the right information for today’s commercial building projects.

 The Internet

The first and most obvious tool for research on new technologies is the World Wide Web. The phrase "Google it" has become part of the English vernacular and with good reason. Internet searches open a floodgate of data and information–sometimes too much information. Another phrase we should use more often is "Don’t trust everything you read on the Internet."

When searching the Web, rely mostly on the sites of reputable suppliers, industry associations and trade magazines to get the best information. You can also validate information you find on the Web by using some of the resources below.

 Vendor plant visits

Plant tours are my favorite method for gathering information. Seeing a product and meeting with sales reps is one thing; seeing the way a company operates firsthand is an entirely different ballgame. It teaches you about the technology and shows you the company’s culture and whether it fits with yours. After all, today more and more businesses are choosing to forgo the typical customer-client relationship to form long-term partnerships. In this case, a plant visit is essential to assure your companies share similar visions.

Specifically for architects and fabricators, this means taking a few field trips to find the right supplier. I’ve had numerous architects, glazing contractors and fabricators comment on how rewarding it was for them to see the manufacturing process--insulating glass in this case--firsthand. It helps them recognize the efficiencies or inefficiencies of the company’s manufacturing processes, which in both cases could greatly impact the consistency of lead time and quality.

Word-of-mouth

Any professional marketer would tell you that word-of-mouth is the most effective and credible resource for marketing new technologies. Having a reliable peer network is essential for keeping a pulse on the building industry. Ask questions like: Have you heard of _______? What do you think of _______? Who else is using __________? What type of service and support do they offer on _______? What type of reputation does the supplier or manufacturer have?

As with all new technologies there might be a short list of peers that have tried or are using the technology, but they can usually offer helpful insight into the real benefits of the product. Knowing that the vendor or fabricator will stand behind its high-performance products is key.

Trade shows

Last but not least, industry trade shows are a wealth of new technologies. For the price of a flight and hotel, architects and fabricators can check out all the industry has to offer under one roof. When exploring new vendors, attending trade shows is a no-brainer. Those who visited GlassBuild America recently can attest to the abundance of information available via trade show exhibits. Other major national and international shows worth noting include the American Institute of Architects convention, Greenbuild and glasstec.

 Stay ahead of the curve

In today’s world where technology is changing rapidly, we cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand. With code changes and certification requirements becoming more stringent, we have to be open to the idea of new technologies that can meet and exceed these requirements. To stay with what we have used for the last 40 years simply because it has worked until now might not be the most prudent choice.

Make sure that you continue to seek out newer technologies that will help meet your goals, but remember to research all available options. In many cases, high-performance products have been used for years but have not hit mainstream yet.

In all cases, make sure you do your homework on any new products by making sure the vendor is credible and products have been thoroughly tested. And don’t forget to do plant tours; you’ll be amazed by what you learn.