Value-added analysis of the construction submittal process

Construction contracts require builders to reproduce and certify paper documents that attest to the quality and or functionality of the systems, equipment, products, and materials planned for inclusion in a finished facility. Once submitted these documents are approved or acknowledged as part of a quality control process prior to placing purchase or fabrication orders. Despite widespread advances in other areas of information technology, the submittal process remains mired in paper-based procedures that add unnecessary cost to construction projects. This paper describes current practice and then highlights lessons-learned from selected interviews with those adopting innovative technology to streamline that process. The authors discuss their submittal process simulation model. Construction teams may adapt this model to reflect their specific context to justify and monitor the application of new technologies aimed at eliminating submittal transmission, routing, and handling costs within the context of existing contracting processes.

Research Highlights
► A business process model of the entire construction product fulfillment process is presented and analyzed.
► Activities identify tasks whose work adds value to the end product and those that do not add value.
► The impact of current paper processes, use of email, and impact of process-based extranets are evaluated.
► This approach may be used to simulate contract administration processes identifying waste currently hidden in standard overhead charges.