Construction Submittals & RFI Software

A construction submittal is a document or sample that a contractor shares with architects, engineers, or other stakeholders for review and approval before work begins. Submittals can include shop drawings, product data, material samples, and other specs to confirm that what’s being built matches the design intent. 

With Bluebeam Revu, creating and reviewing submittals becomes a faster, more collaborative process. Revu simplifies submittal creation by turning PDF templates into fillable forms using Auto Form Creation, making it easy to assemble cover sheets and complete documentation. You can then combine all necessary files into one clean, professional submittal package. 

For the review process, Studio Sessions enable real-time collaboration—multiple reviewers can mark up, comment, and stamp the same file simultaneously or on their own time. Color-coded markup tools and custom toolsets help teams stay organized, while built-in notifications and tracking features ensure no feedback is missed. This results in faster reviews, clearer communication, and a smoother path to approval. 

While there are several solutions for managing RFIs and submittals, it’s important to find software that can be used both onsite and off. That’s why construction teams around the world trust Bluebeam to help them manage RFIs and submittals faster. With Bluebeam, you can easily import existing project files, post RFIs to drawings and share across devices. You can also assign, manage, and organize submittals while tracking reviews and approvals from the palm of your hand.

Completing tasks like RFIs and submittals can be overly time consuming and complicated, which is why it’s essential to use software specifically designed for managing workflows from anywhere. With Bluebeam, you can speed up RFIs and submittals with easy-to-use tools for managing them on your web browser or mobile device. Bluebeam allows construction teams to digitize their entire RFIs and submittals process and complete tasks on the go, which means faster turnaround times and less redundancy. Plus, all updates are shareable across devices, which ensures everyone’s always in sync.

An RFI, or Request for Information, is a formal communication used in construction to clarify uncertainties or address information gaps in project documents, plans, or specifications. RFIs are integral to construction management and are commonly used throughout all phases of a project.

In construction, RFIs serve as a structured way to resolve discrepancies or ambiguities in project documentation. They are typically submitted by contractors or subcontractors to project designers, architects, or engineers to ensure clarity and alignment. Using Bluebeam software for RFIs helps clarify, document and coordinate information across teams and stakeholders.

RFIs are designed to address various needs during a construction project, such as:

• Clarifying Information: To resolve ambiguities in project specifications or drawings
• Documenting Decisions: To formally record decisions made during the project lifecycle
• Coordinating Communication: To facilitate structured interactions between stakeholders
• Identifying Issues: To highlight potential conflicts or risks, such as utility interferences
• Adjusting Project Timelines: To account for changes that might impact the schedule

Using Bluebeam software for RFIs helps streamline the process for construction teams.

Construction project managers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in construction projects can benefit from using RFI management and tracking software. It helps streamline communication, track RFIs efficiently, reduce delays, improve collaboration, and enhance project transparency.

Construction submittals typically include a variety of materials to ensure that the project meets all requirements and specifications. Some common materials include shop drawings, material samples, engineering calculations, mockups, and vendor information. Other submittals are prepared during project closeout, and include items like product warranties and as-built drawings.

Bluebeam submittal software creates a straight-forward process for sharing materials, data and drawings with your client and getting their approval. With Bluebeam, you can post RFIs to drawings and the map view to share across devices, enabling real-time access to the latest information.