How to build a submittal log from the spec book without retyping it
Turn the spec book into a submittal log, then review submittals against each requirement.
The problem
At the start of a project someone has to read every specification section and list every required submittal: product data, shop drawings, samples, mock-ups, test reports, warranties, closeout documents. On a large project that is days of work, and items are easy to miss. Later, each submittal has to be checked against the spec requirements one by one.
A practical process
- Go section by section through Part 1 (submittals, quality assurance, closeout) and capture each required item with its section number.
- Record the source page so reviewers can verify each line.
- Keep the log in a spreadsheet that can be imported into your project management system.
- When a submittal arrives, compare it requirement by requirement against the section, not from memory.
How DocuFinds handles it
DocuFinds includes a Submittal log table template: it reads the spec book and fills one row per required submittal, and every cell cites the page it came from. You can add columns and download the table to Excel, including a sheet of sources.
For reviews, DocuFinds compares a submittal with the specification section and marks each requirement as complies, deviation or not shown, citing both documents. You can change any status, add notes, download the review to Excel, or turn the comments into a ready-to-send draft.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a submittal log from specifications?
Read Part 1 of every section for submittal, quality assurance and closeout requirements and record each item with its section and page. DocuFinds automates this with its Submittal log template, citing the page for every row.
Can I export the submittal log to Excel?
Yes. DocuFinds tables download to Excel with a sources sheet.
Can DocuFinds check a submittal against the spec?
Yes. It marks each requirement as complies, deviation or not shown, citing both the specification and the submittal, and can draft the review comments.
What about closeout requirements like warranties and O&M manuals?
They are part of the specification requirements DocuFinds reads, so they can be captured in the log like any other submittal.
Try it on your own documents
Upload a project and ask your first question. Every answer links to the exact page.
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