Architects, designers and specifiers now have multiple options for locating and specifying Petersen’s PAC-CLAD products during the specification and design phases of any project. The manufacturer of metal roof and wall panels now hosts roof and wall specs as well as a library of BIM, CAD and installation drawings on design platforms including MasterSpec, SpecLink-E, BIMobject.com, Sweets.com and Arcat.com.
 
Presence on these platforms represents Petersen’s investment in improving ease of use for design professionals by making specs and digital design files available at the critical moments they need access to them, said Mike Petersen, CEO. “We know that to build familiarity and confidence with architects and designers we must have a presence in the spaces where they prefer to work. Today, these work spaces are digital. By investing in our digital footprint, we’re making it easier for spec writers and architects to do their jobs, and easier for those already familiar with our products to specify them. And, those who are unfamiliar with Petersen can now give us a chance to prove our value,” Petersen said.
 
Documents available on the MasterSpec and SpecLink-E digital specification-writing platforms include product specifications for PAC-CLAD metal roof and wall panels. Both MasterSpec and SpecLink-E are designed to help architecture and construction professionals to dramatically speed up editing tasks and reduce specification production time while minimizing errors and omissions. MasterSpec is a product of the American Institute of Architects.
 
Petersen’s presence on the BIMobject platform includes design files for 19 roof and wall products, plus 37 BIM files, 300 CAD files and 400 installation details. These 3-D and 2-D files are available for users of Revit design software, or for any designer wanting to download product specifications in BIM, CAD or PDF format at bimobject.com. Petersen also maintains libraries of other specs and product files on sweets.com, arcat.com and its web site at pac-clad.com.
 
Building information modeling, or BIM, is a digital 3-D process through which product details can be embedded in construction documents. Computer aided design, or CAD, is a similar but less robust 2-D digital design process. By using BIM, architects can understand how a construction design will look and perform in the built environment before it is constructed.
 
Use of BIM in the architecture, engineering and construction industries remains on the rise. Architects are said to use BIM for the following reasons:

•     Prefabrication efficiencies and increased field production
•     Reduction of mistakes from lack of architect/engineer coordination
•     Ensuring a good fit for projects with complex interfaces between components
•     Improvement of workflow and reduction of field re-work
•     Improved coordination of trades
•     Aiding understanding of how specified products are installed and perform