Submittal Approval Delays: The ultimate Cause of Project Stagnation in 2023

As a construction professional, you know that the approval process for submittals can often feel like a never-ending game of red tape. From the moment you submit your plans for review, it can feel like an eternity before you get the green light to move forward with your project. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that many construction professionals face.

One of the main causes of submittal approval delays is a lack of communication and coordination between project stakeholders. This can result in confusion and misunderstandings about the submittal requirements, leading to the need for multiple revisions and resubmissions. Another common cause is the lack of proper project management software or construction management software , which can make it difficult to keep track of submittals, deadlines, and approvals.

To overcome these challenges and avoid delays in submittal approvals, construction professionals can take several steps. Maybe you can establish clear lines of communication and ensure that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in the submittal process. Additionally, they can invest in construction management software or construction software that can automate the submittal process, streamline approvals, and provide real-time visibility into the status of submittals.

Key Takeaways

• Common reasons for delays in submittal approvals include incomplete or inaccurate submittals, lack of communication and coordination, insufficient review and approval time, and inadequate training and resources.
• To identify and overcome delays, it is important to establish clear guidelines and best practices for preparing and submitting submittals, establish clear lines of communication among project stakeholders, allocate sufficient resources for review and approval, and provide training and necessary tools and technology to reviewers and approvers.
• To further streamline the submittal approval process, you can use digital tools and software to automate the review and approval process, implement a centralized submittal management system, and establish clear protocols for handling and addressing rejected submittals.

Use the software to manage the whole submittal process

Causes of Submittal Approval Delays

You know that the approval process for submittals can be a real headache. It can often feel like an endless cycle of submitting plans, waiting for feedback, making revisions, and resubmitting. But why does this process take so long? The truth is, there are many factors that can contribute to submittal approval delays. Here are just a few examples:

• Lack of clear communication: When different departments or team members are working on a project, it can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Miscommunication or a lack of coordination can lead to delays in the submittal approval process.
• Insufficient resources: Whether it’s a shortage of personnel or equipment, a lack of resources can slow down the approval process.
• Incomplete or inaccurate submittals: If the information contained in a submittal is not accurate or complete, it can take longer for reviewers to process the submission, which can result in delays.
• Bureaucratic processes: Sometimes, submittal approvals are bogged down by bureaucratic processes and red tape. This can be especially true when working with government agencies or other organizations that have strict regulations in place.
• Inconsistency in submittal review and approval: If there is no consistency in how submittals are reviewed and approved , it can make the process even more confusing and time-consuming.

You may have faced one or more of these causes, and it can be frustrating to deal with. Understanding these causes can be the first step to finding solutions to overcome them.

Impact of Submittal Approval Delays

You’re well aware that submittal approval delays can have a significant impact on your projects. But it’s not just about missing deadlines or going over budget. These delays can have a ripple effect that can be felt throughout the entire project. Here are a few ways in which submittal approval delays can impact your projects:

• Delays in project timelines: The most obvious impact of submittal approval delays is that they can push back the completion date of a project. This can lead to additional costs, as well as disappointment and frustration for all stakeholders.
• Increased project costs: When a project is delayed, it can lead to additional costs in the form of overtime pay, rental equipment, and other expenses. This can put a significant strain on the project budget.
• Reduced quality of work: When a project is delayed, the pressure to complete it on time can lead to corners being cut and a reduced focus on quality. This can lead to subpar work and a final product that doesn’t meet the standards you set out to achieve.
• Tensions and conflicts: Delays can create tension and conflicts among team members and stakeholders, leading to a hostile work environment.
• Loss of trust and credibility: Submittal approval delays can lead to a loss of trust among stakeholders, not just on the current project but on future projects as well.

All of these impacts can have a huge impact on the success of a project, not just in terms of completion time and budget, but in terms of overall satisfaction and quality of the final product. It’s important to remember that submittal approval delays are not just a minor inconvenience, but a real problem that can have a major impact on the success of your projects.

Solutions to Submittal Approval Delays

As a construction professional, you understand the frustration of dealing with submittal approval delays. These delays can hold up a project and cause a domino effect of issues, such as increased project costs, strained team relations, and even loss of trust among stakeholders. But there are ways to tackle this problem head-on. Here are some unique solutions that can help to overcome submittal approval delays:

• Develop a submittal review and approval system that works for you: One of the biggest causes of delays is the lack of a clear and efficient process for reviewing and approving submittals. By developing a system that works for you and your team, you can reduce delays and improve communication among team members.
• Empower your team with the right tools: Another cause of delays is the lack of necessary resources and personnel. By providing your team with the right tools, whether it’s digital submittal management systems, or other software, you can speed up the submittal approval process and reduce delays.
• Create a culture of transparency and accountability: Inconsistency and lack of transparency in the submittal review and approval process can lead to confusion and delays. By creating a culture of transparency and accountability, you can reduce delays and improve communication among team members.
• Embrace a continuous improvement mindset: Approaches that worked in the past may not work now, so it’s important to stay open-minded and flexible when it comes to addressing submittal approval delays. Embrace a continuous improvement mindset, and be willing to try new solutions until you find the right fit.
• Encourage proactive communication and collaboration: Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members, and create a system for early warning and problem-solving. This can help to reduce delays and improve communication throughout the project.

By trying out these unique solutions, you’ll be able to identify the underlying causes of submittal approval delays and find the best ways to overcome them. With a little creativity and persistence, you can make the submittal approval process more efficient and less frustrating for everyone involved.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, submittal approval delays are a common cause of project stagnation, as they can significantly impede progress and add unnecessary delays to the project timeline. One of the unique aspects of this issue is that it often stems from a lack of clear communication and organization within the project team, rather than any specific technical challenges.

To mitigate the effects of submittal approval delays, it is essential for project teams to establish clear protocols for document submission and review, as well as regular communication to ensure that all team members are aware of the status and progress of the project.