YKK AP America Inc. has launched an iPad application that simplifies access to commercial building products for professionals.

The application provides building professionals with easy access to YKK?s high-end product images, details, installation checklists, green building resources, and introduces an innovative thermal performance calculator, myThermal Assistant.

?We wanted to offer the marketplace and our entire customer base the ability to benefit from the power of the iPad,? said Oliver Stepe, senior vice president of YKK AP America, Austell, GA.

?By providing this, we not only feature our products but also deliver value-rich tools ? such as myThermalAssistant ? to enhance productivity,? he said.  

YKK AP America manufactures a complete line of aluminum entrances, storefronts, curtain walls, sunshades, and windows for use in commercial and institutional construction.

MyThermal Assistant enables building professionals to calculate the energy saving performance metrics of YKK AP products with project-specific glass packages using the AAMA 507 standard based on NFRC methods. 

If a professional is unsure of which product and glass package to specify in order to meet the thermal performance needs of the building envelope, he or she can simply enter the desired energy performance criteria. 

The program will recommend the YKK AP framing system and glass package to specify in order to meet that requirement.

?The app is intended for use by architects and/or any number of parties in the building process during building design or execution,? Mr. Stepe said. ?A key challenge for building professionals is time wasted consulting with multiple framing systems and glass manufacturers to obtain product details.

?This now provides quick and instant access to manufacturer product offerings and the ability to conduct thermal performance analysis on building facade systems ? all in one convenient app,? he said.

?In addition, the app further supports the execution stage of the building process by integrating quality assurance tools, such as videos and installation check lists.?

Tools to assist with the installation of YKK AP products in the field, including at-a-glance checklists, are also featured within the application. 

Contractors can use this application to walk the job site and confirm that YKK AP?s recommended installation steps are being followed. 

The application also features the top ten green building resources on the Web for commercial construction, YKK AP product data sheets, outlining system benefits and photos, installation instructions and videos, and a design manual outlining all aspects of YKK AP?s glazing systems.

?As the first commercial building products company to offer an app, we feel the launch supports our ongoing mission to offer not only cutting edge products but also the latest support systems and tools for our customers,? Mr. Stepe said.

?Significant value lies in the myThermalAssistant feature,? he said. ?This platform allows a user to instantly integrate various framing and glass options to assess the overall building performance in accordance with known industry standards.

?Using this tool, building professionals can access the appropriate YKK AP products to meet the required code and industry regulations. Instead of contacting multiple parties via phone or email, users can find what they need in a matter of seconds.?

Final take
This video is presented to building professionals within the application
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