May 6, 2025
Introduction
Submittal generation tools have come a long way. While early automation platforms offered a much-needed alternative to manual log creation, the landscape has evolved. New solutions now provide deeper accuracy, broader integration, and smarter workflows—some even powered by AI. If you’re considering software to streamline submittal extraction and register creation, it’s worth knowing what to expect and how to evaluate your options. This guide walks through core capabilities and key questions to ask when selecting the right tool for your project team.
Why Contractors Automate Submittals
Save Time Where It Counts
Manually reviewing specs and building a submittal log can take days—if not longer. Automation dramatically reduces that workload, freeing up engineers to focus on higher-value tasks like reviewing design details and coordinating with trades.
Improve Contractual Accuracy
Automated systems reduce the risk of missing critical submittals tied to contractual obligations. By surfacing all required action and informational submittals—especially those buried in Division 01 or specialty sections—teams can mitigate rework, avoid delays, and stay in compliance.
Gain Cross-Project Visibility
Using a consistent process across jobs helps standardize how submittals are created, managed, and tracked. That makes it easier to roll up data, identify delays early, and tighten up project controls across the organization.
Reallocate Resources for Bigger Impact
When submittal logs build themselves, your most capable engineers aren’t stuck in the specs—they’re using that time to make cost-saving decisions and spot design issues before they become change orders.
Modern Features to Expect
Smart Compilation of Action and Informational Submittals
At a basic level, most tools scan the specs and pull standard submittal descriptions. More advanced platforms also capture exact titles and spec locations, giving teams precise visibility from day one.
Closeout Submittals Captured Early
Rather than scrambling at the end of a project, capturing closeout requirements at the start ensures smoother handovers, tighter cost control, and better coordination with trades.
Beyond Submittals: Mockups, Q&A, and Testing Requirements
Some platforms go further, identifying mockups, test and inspection items, Division 01 deliverables, and more. This level of detail helps construction teams proactively manage schedule impacts and compliance risk.
The AI Leap Forward
The biggest shift in recent years? AI and large language models (LLMs) are now being applied to spec review—making tools like Anyset Specs more powerful than ever. Instead of relying on keyword-based extraction alone, these systems understand language in context, capturing nuanced submittal requirements that older tools miss. The result is significantly higher accuracy and far fewer gaps, especially in Division 01 or project-specific sections. For firms handling complex scopes or fast-moving timelines, that’s a major competitive advantage.
Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating Tools
1. Accuracy
- Does the platform capture all required submittals, including less obvious items in General Requirements?
- Are there tools to review and flag sections where nothing was extracted?
2. Integration
- Can you easily export or sync submittals into your PM platform?
- Does it work with tools your team already uses—like Procore, Autodesk, or Bluebeam?
3. Collaboration
- Can multiple users review and edit the log?
- Are revisions tracked?
- Can preconstruction teams use the tool during bidding and scheduling?
4. Ease of Trial
- Is there a simple way to test the tool before purchasing?
- Are pilot licenses or sandbox environments available?
5. Implementation & Support
- How long does onboarding take?
- What kind of training and support is provided?
6. Track Record
- How many specs has the platform processed?
- How long have they been focused on this category?
7. Product Roadmap
- Are there ongoing improvements or AI enhancements planned?
- How quickly are customer requests incorporated?
8. Trust & Adoption
- Do other general contractors use the platform?
- Are there case studies or references across different project types?
Closing Thoughts
Today’s best submittal generation tools don’t just speed things up—they build confidence. With AI-enabled accuracy, seamless integration, and better project insight, platforms like Anyset Specs help contractors hit the ground running and stay ahead of risk. Whether you’re automating for the first time or evaluating your next upgrade, keep these factors in mind to ensure you’re setting your teams up for success—right from the specs.