The newly updated AIA electronic format (EF) contract document software release EF 3.0 PLUS gets a thumbs up from the EF users who have made the upgrade. Tammy Crafton, the marketing assistant in charge of the owner contracts, change orders, and all AIA forms for Chambers Construction Company, Eugene, Ore., expounds in this interview.

When did you start using the AIA EF product?
We started using the AIA EF software more than four years ago for efficiency—so we no longer had to type the owner contracts manually. The AIA EF product has come a long way! I first started the contract document software when it was EF 2.0, but that was a disaster. Then version 3.0 came along and some improvements were made, and this latest upgrade, EF 3.0 PLUS, is much better. I have been frustrated with the user friendliness of this program in the past, so I must say this last upgrade is by far the best.

What is it about EF 3.0 PLUS that makes it the best version so far?
One improvement made is the way the document is saved. Before you can close the document it asks you if you'd like to save it or not. This is a huge improvement. In version 3.0, I often lost changes or updates due to the fact that it didn't ask you if you'd like to save before it closed out the document. So this update is wonderful and compatible with Microsoft. [Editors note: The software is also compatible with the Macintosh platform through a PC emulator.] I also like how fast EF 3.0 PLUS prints the document now. It allows us to print a single page or multiple pages. The new "draft" imprint on it is now much lighter. This allows us to fill in the blank spaces easily by hand and makes faxing much more legible.

How often do you use the AIA EF product?
I use this program anywhere from twice a week to daily. It just depends on what we are working on. I am the only user in our office but occasionally see the EF product used through the architects we work with.

Would you recommend EF 3.0 PLUS to others?
Yes. I am a satisfied customer!

Did you know that AIA contract documents . . .

• Were first published in 1888. Called the Uniform Contract, the document was for use between an owner and a contractor. Today there are more than 85 contracts and administrative forms available from the AIA in both print and electronic versions.

• Are standard forms intended for use with modifications clearly indicated to allow for easy location of changes during negotiation. Changes to a standard form are always identified so those familiar with the document through repeated use may measure the risks of a particular adaptation of the document to a specific situation quickly.

• Provide solid provisions enforceable under the existing law. The documents have been finely tuned during their 100-plus-year history to reflect the latest changes in law and the construction industry, based on industry practices, not theory. As a result, these comprehensive contracts and forms have been tested by the courts and are widely considered the industry standard.

• Are developed and revised based on a set of Drafting Principles assembled by the AIA Board. The success of the documents depends upon a collaboration among the AIA Contract Documents Committee (volunteer architects and industry professionals selected for their experience and expertise), the AIA staff, outside legal counsel, owners, representatives of other construction industry associations, insurance counsel, and attorneys with special expertise in matters pertaining to the design and construction process. Given this broad scope of contributors, the AIA Contract Documents enjoy a wide reputation for fairness to all parties.

• Are revised on a standard 10-year cycle, replacing prior editions. The purpose of additional revisions is to ensure that users have state-of-the-art legal tools to be more productive and profitable. Reasons for revisions include changes in industry practice, changes in economics of the profession, or development of legal issues. Other revisions might be attributed to new participants in the construction industry who need to be acknowledged.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.