Upon invoking the RAM Steel Beam Design module, the database status is checked to determine whether or not the program needs to perform the initial gravity analysis. This analysis is referred to as "Building the Framing Tables," or "Framing." "Framing" is the process of analyzing the model and creating the database files that contain the information on member interaction, effective flange widths, Live Load Reduction, and individual member loading. All of the information necessary for member design is calculated during this phase; however, no design is actually performed.

If the Framing Tables were previously built by the program and no changes have subsequently been made to the database, the program will not repeat that process when RAM Steel Beam is invoked, and RAM Steel Beam will be brought up directly. If certain criteria have been changed or if the model has been modified, the Framing Tables must be rebuilt. Framing will be performed, after which the RAM Steel Beam commands will be available. This entire process is handled automatically by the program.