July 1, 2025
In construction, industry terms can sometimes sound like a foreign language—think “Rodbuster,” “Tin Knocker,” or “Punch List.” But some are refreshingly clear, like “submittal log.” At its core, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a documented list for tracking submittals throughout a project.
A submittal is the information—drawings, product data, certifications, or samples—that a subcontractor provides to the general contractor for review. The GC then confirms compliance with the project’s plans and specifications, often involving the design team for final sign-off. A submittal log is simply the structured list that tracks these required items from submission through approval.
Why submittal logs matter
The submittal log is usually built at the start of a project and serves as the master checklist for ensuring every required material, product, and document is reviewed and approved before installation. In practice, it’s the mechanism that ensures contractors select pre-approved products—or acceptable equivalents—and meet specification requirements for everything from major building systems to final finishes.
The log can include:
- Hundreds of materials, from steel beams to carpet tiles
- Certifications and testing reports
- Warranties and maintenance documentation
Without a submittal log, tracking deadlines, responsibilities, and approvals quickly becomes chaotic.
Timing is everything
Compiling submittals can take weeks or months, depending on project size and complexity. As each subcontractor joins the project, they bring their own list of required documents or samples. The process can involve:
- Paperwork and digital documentation
- Physical samples for evaluation
- Coordination with manufacturing and shipping schedules
Because no installation should begin without an approved submittal, the log must be aligned with the construction schedule to avoid delays. Submitting all items at once can overwhelm the review team, so sequencing them to match project priorities keeps things moving.
What to include in a submittal log
While formats vary, an effective submittal log captures essential details, such as:
- Submittal title
- Specification section reference
- Submittal type (shop drawing, product data, etc.)
- Responsible contractor
- Required submission date
- Status (approved, rejected, pending)
This information gives project teams a clear view of what’s outstanding, what’s approved, and what needs immediate attention.
Making the process more efficient
Traditionally, building a submittal log meant combing through specifications manually—a slow, error-prone process. Now, tools like Anyset Specs automate this initial step by extracting submittal requirements directly from the project specifications. The result is a complete draft log in minutes, not weeks.
From there, project managers can refine dates, coordinate with subcontractors, and manage approvals with far greater efficiency. By reducing the time spent creating and updating the log, teams can focus on ensuring materials arrive when needed, preventing bottlenecks, and keeping the project on schedule.
In a field where delays are costly and coordination is complex, a well-managed submittal log—especially when powered by automation—can save weeks of work and help deliver projects on time.