How to Create Great Construction Submittal Logs Quickly
Why submittal logs matter
For commercial contractors, submittals are more than just paperwork. They are the record that ensures materials, products and systems match the design intent and contract documents. A strong submittal log keeps projects moving, prevents errors, and protects margins. When logs are incomplete, late or inaccurate, the consequences can include ordering delays, change orders or costly rework.
Challenges contractors face
Many general contractors still rely on spreadsheets or manual processes to manage submittal logs. These approaches can:
- Take hours to update after every change
- Leave room for mistakes or missed items
- Make it difficult to hold project partners accountable
- Cause delays in reviews and approvals
In fast-moving commercial construction projects, that kind of inefficiency puts risk on the contractor.
How to create submittal logs faster
Great submittal logs don’t have to take days to create. By combining automation with standard workflows, you can build them in minutes instead of hours. Here are a few best practices:
Start with the specs
Pull every requirement directly from the project specifications. This ensures that your log covers all items before work begins and avoids the risk of missing key materials or systems.
Use software to automate extraction
With RedTeam Flex, submittal requirements can be captured directly from your project documents. Instead of manually copying and pasting line items into a spreadsheet, you can generate a complete log that is ready for review and assignment.
Standardize responsibilities
Assign each submittal item to the right project team member or trade partner. RedTeam makes it easy to tag responsibilities and set due dates, so accountability is clear from the start.
Track approvals in real time
A good submittal log isn’t just a one-time document. It needs to update as reviews are completed, revisions are requested, and approvals are given. RedTeam Flex automatically updates statuses and provides real-time visibility across your team, including in the field through Fieldlens.
Keep it connected to the schedule
Submittal approvals tie directly into project milestones. With RedTeam, you can link submittal tracking to schedules, ensuring that procurement and installation stay aligned with project timelines.
The payoff
By creating submittal logs quickly and keeping them updated automatically, contractors can:
- Reduce errors and rework
- Shorten approval cycles
- Improve collaboration with design teams and trade partners
- Protect schedules and budgets
For commercial construction professionals, better submittal management is one of the fastest ways to take risk off the table. RedTeam helps you create accurate submittal logs in minutes, keep them current and keep your projects on track.
