Ensuring the accuracy of submittals can be tiring and cumbersome, but it’s important to the flow of your project. However difficult they may be to create, they’re essential for a project’s workflow.
Submittals consist of information for the design professional to approve equipment, materials, etc., before fabrication and delivery to the project. Consequently, submittals occur in early project phases and help guide how the project will be executed.
With construction management software, you have easier access to the crucial steps for creating and submitting submittals for approval. This helps mitigate the risk of error and rework in materials, design and ultimately your budget.
Creating submittals with construction management software
The most common process for managing submittals is creating them on paper with the general information of materials, equipment, etc., for a project needed for approval. These physical documents are usually sent to the architect, the contractor or the subcontractor, then going back and forth between parties. This manual process involves a lot of paper and running around, leading to wasted time and room for error.
Instead, construction management software allows you to create and manage a submittal without the need for paper or extensive email back-and forth.
With RedTeam’s construction management software solutions, users have access to their workspace for each project. Here is where they can easily create and manage submittals and more.
Managing submittal types
Contractors can add as many submittals as needed and associate them with different categories or types. Select or create your own submittal type, such as shop drawing, material sample, spec sheet, warranty, operation and maintenance or MSDS. Subsequently, the submittal type enables vendors with the necessary information on what to provide as their submittal items. Whether that is physical samples, MSDS sheets for review or a sample warranty for the owner or architect to approve.
Adding submittal assignments and due dates
Direct assignment options allow you to select the responsible party, who’ll need to act on the submittal. That can be the architect, owner, subcontractor or other vendors who need to provide or approve submittals. When assigning due dates and tagging your submittal to spec sections, you’re thereby able to ensure accountability and keep track of schedules.
Providing context to the submittal
Before submitting any submittals to the owner or architect for approval, the contractor looks at all the relevant contract documents. Those can include specifications, plans and timelines. This helps identify any specific requirements and enables them to create an appropriate solution. You can add detailed submittal descriptions and attachments to provide further context for any responsible party.
Tracking submittal statuses
Clear status tracking allows stakeholders to see all of the submittals created and their respective status. And with the addition of submittal stamps, all parties clearly know when approvals have been given or revisions are required. A process that can take an entire day to set up and collaborate on, now takes only minutes.
Real-time notifications for progress tracking
With instant email notifications about the status of your submittals, you’re no longer reliant on meetings or lengthy phone calls. Managing your submittal workflow in construction management software like RedTeam Flex or RedTeam Go, means you can collaborate directly with all parties involved.
Take charge of your submittal workflow process with RedTeam’s construction management solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are construction submittals and why are they important?
Construction submittals are detailed documents, including drawings, material samples and product data, that contractors submit to design professionals for approval before they are used in a project. They ensure that the project adheres to the design specifications and standards, reducing the risk of errors and discrepancies during construction.
Q: How does construction management software help in managing submittals?
Construction management software streamlines the submittal process by allowing users to create, manage and track submittals digitally. This reduces the need for paper documents and minimizes the chances of errors or miscommunications, ensuring a more efficient workflow.
Q: What are the benefits of using construction management software for submittals?
The benefits include improved accuracy, real-time tracking, reduced paperwork, faster approval processes and better collaboration among project stakeholders. It also helps in maintaining a clear audit trail and ensures that all submittals are reviewed and approved on time.
Q: How can construction management software improve the accuracy of submittals?
The software provides tools for meticulous review and version control, enabling users to ensure that all submittals meet the required standards and specifications. It also helps in identifying and correcting errors before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of costly rework.
Q: What types of submittals can be managed using construction management software?
Users can manage various types of submittals such as shop drawings, material samples, specification sheets, warranties, operation and maintenance manuals and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The software allows categorizing and tracking each type efficiently.
Q: How does construction management software facilitate collaboration among project stakeholders?
Construction management software provides a centralized platform where all stakeholders, including architects, contractors, subcontractors and owners, can access and review submittals. It enables real-time notifications and updates, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can collaborate effectively.
Q: Can construction management software help in tracking submittal statuses?
Yes, construction management software from RedTeamoffers clear status tracking features that allow users to see the current status of all submittals. It provides visual indicators and submittal stamps, making it easy to identify when approvals are given or revisions are required.
Q: How do real-time notifications in construction management software enhance submittal management?
Real-time notifications keep all parties informed about the status of submittals, eliminating the need for lengthy meetings or phone calls. This ensures timely updates and actions, keeping the project on schedule.
Q: What role does context play in the submittal process, and how does the software help?
Providing context is crucial for accurate submittal reviews. Construction management software allows users to attach relevant documents, detailed descriptions and specifications to each submittal. This ensures that reviewers have all the necessary information to make informed decisions.
Q: How does assigning due dates and responsibilities in construction management software ensure accountability?
The software enables users to assign specific tasks and due dates to responsible parties, such as architects or subcontractors. This ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and deadlines, promoting accountability and timely completion of submittals.
