Specs arrive in email attachments, product data sits on a shared drive, and cover sheets come from the manufacturer rep. The submittal log tracks against a CSI MasterFormat version that may not match the one the architect specified.\n\nProject engineers assemble each package manually and check transmittal fields against Division 01 Section 01 33 00 requirements one line at a time. Many submittals get rejected or require revision on first submission. Each rejection delays procurement, consumes PE time, and compounds across the submittal log.
Use Case
Automate Submittal Formatting and QA
Published
The Submittal-Builder Agent handles submittal formatting QA end-to-end, assembling packages, cross-checking spec requirements, validating transmittal fields, and generating properly formatted final PDFs without manual assembly or line-by-line review.
The Operational Problem
How Submittal-Builder Agent Automates This
The Submittal-Builder Agent assembles complete, properly formatted submittal packages through a guided workflow. Project teams make decisions on product selection, deviations, and scope. The AI agent executes the workflow between those decisions, from spec parsing through final PDF generation. Technical review judgment remains with the project engineer.
1
Parse project specs.
The AI agent processes uploaded project specifications and extracts submittal requirements by section. It identifies which submittal types, including shop drawings, product data, samples, and certificates, each spec section demands and in what format.
2
Assemble the package.
As project teams select project files and attachments, the AI agent assembles them into a complete package with the cover page, transmittal, product data, and supporting attachments.
3
Validate completeness.
The AI agent cross-checks each package against the parsed spec requirements, flagging missing certifications, absent product data sheets, incomplete manufacturer documentation, or blank transmittal fields before submission.
4
Generate the final PDF.
Once the project team approves files and resolves flagged items, the AI agent compiles the submittal package into a single, properly formatted PDF ready for GC or architect review.
Inputs & Outputs
Inputs
User-provided cover page PDFs specific to the project or firm's branding requirements
Project specifications and contract documents defining submittal requirements per section
Selected product data sheets, shop drawings, certifications, and attachments chosen during the guided build process
Field data relevant to the submittal scope
Approved files confirmed by the project team during package assembly
Outputs
Complete, properly formatted submittal packages compiled as final PDFs ready for review
Structured reports identifying completeness gaps, missing spec references, and absent attachments
Action items listing specific corrections required before submission
Workflow Context
This AI agent feeds directly into procurement workflows, where approved submittals allow material ordering and fabrication timelines to proceed. It also connects to RFI workflows, so project teams can route unresolved submittal issues into the right workflow before submission stalls. Accurate, complete packages on first submission protect schedule integrity across downstream procurement and coordination work. Reliable submittal formatting is part of execution.
Works With
The Submittal-Builder Agent connects to your existing construction management stack so teams can assemble, validate, and route packages without custom integration work. These systems cover document storage, field coordination, submittal tracking, and status updates.
BIM 360 Build
Connect BIM 360 Build to Datagrid to automate RFI processing, submittal tracking, and cross-project reporting with agentic AI.
PlanGrid
Connect PlanGrid to Datagrid and automate RFI workflows, submittal tracking, sheet sync, and field data processing with agentic AI agents.
Procore
Connect Procore to Datagrid to automate document workflows, sync project financials, and run AI agents across RFIs and budgets.
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
Connect Autodesk Construction Cloud with Datagrid to extract project data and run AI workflows.
SharePoint
Connect SharePoint to Datagrid to automate document processing and compliance checks across your SharePoint libraries.
The integration layer keeps package assembly connected to the systems teams already use for submittal and document work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The AI agent validates each transmittal against the required field set defined in Division 01 Section 01 33 00: project name, date, contractor and subcontractor names, spec section number and title, submittal numbering with revision identifiers, and the reserved space for contractor review markings. Missing or blank fields generate specific action items before the final PDF is compiled.
During package assembly, the AI agent cross-references each included project file against the parsed submittal requirements from the project specifications. If a spec section calls for product data and the package contains only a shop drawing, or if a required certification is absent, the AI agent flags the mismatch. Project teams see which spec reference is unmet and what project file type is needed to satisfy it.
The AI agent executes the structural and formatting work of package assembly: document sequencing, transmittal field population, completeness validation, and PDF compilation. Product selection, deviation identification, and technical approval decisions remain with the project engineer. The AI agent flags what needs attention. The engineer decides how to act on it.
Each submittal build operates within its own project context. The AI agent processes the specific project specifications uploaded for that job, parsing the Division 01 requirements and submittal type codes that apply. Teams running multiple projects with different architects and spec versions get validation based on each project's requirements.
The Submittal-Builder Agent connects to project systems for submittal tracking, field data coordination, and status updates on flagged action items. Notifications route flagged gaps and completion updates to the right people in their existing channels, without requiring anyone to log into a separate dashboard for status checks.
Keep Every Submittal Moving with Datagrid
Datagrid gives built-world teams a repeatable workflow for formatting, completeness checks, and final package generation. The workflow centers on four submittal package controls:
- Spec-driven validation: Cross-check submittal contents against parsed project requirements before submission.
- Package assembly: Compile cover pages, transmittals, product data, and attachments into one complete package.
- Gap detection: Flag missing certifications, incomplete documentation, and blank transmittal fields before review.
- Final formatting: Generate a properly formatted PDF ready for GC or architect review.
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