Submittal vs. Transmittal: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Hifza Nasir || Updated on March 5, 2024
Submittal refers to documents, proposals, or items submitted for review or approval, while transmittal is the process of sending information, documents, or items from one party to another.
Key Differences
A submittal typically involves documents, plans, or items that are being submitted for review, approval, or consideration. It often forms part of a formal process where the quality, compliance, or details of the submitted materials are evaluated. On the other hand, a transmittal acts as a method of transferring information or items from one entity to another. It focuses more on the act of sending rather than the content being sent.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Submittals are commonly used in construction, engineering, and business sectors, where detailed documents or samples are provided for assessment to meet project specifications or requirements. Transmittals, whereas, are used across various industries for the purpose of documentation and confirmation of the information or items sent, ensuring both parties have a record of what was communicated.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
The process of submittal often requires a response or approval from the receiving party, indicating acceptance, rejection, or the need for revisions. Transmittal, on the other hand, may not necessarily solicit a response but serves as a record of what has been sent and received, which can be crucial for project documentation and tracking.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Submittals are typically accompanied by forms or cover letters detailing the contents and the purpose of the submission, guiding the review process. Whereas transmittals usually include a transmittal form or letter that lists the documents or items being sent, without requiring detailed evaluation instructions.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
In the context of project management, submittals play a critical role in ensuring that materials, products, or systems meet the specified requirements before they are procured or installed. Meanwhile, transmittals ensure clear communication and documentation throughout the project, facilitating effective information exchange between parties involved.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A document or item submitted for review or approval.
The act of sending information or items to another party.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Purpose
To seek approval, feedback, or compliance with specifications.
To document and confirm the sending and receiving of items.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Common Use
Construction, engineering, and business for project documentation.
Various industries for formal communication of information.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Requires Response
Typically requires approval, feedback, or revisions.
May not require a response but serves as a record of exchange.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Accompanying Forms
Often includes detailed forms or cover letters for guidance on review.
Includes a form or letter listing the contents sent.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Submittal and Transmittal Definitions
Submittal
A set of plans submitted for approval.
The architect sent a submittal to the city for the new building project.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Transmittal
Sending documents between businesses.
The transmittal letter accompanied the contract documents.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Submittal
Items or documents submitted for evaluation.
The submittal process for the grant application is rigorous.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Transmittal
Documentation of what has been sent and received.
For auditing, keep a record of all transmittals.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Submittal
A process in obtaining formal approval.
Each submittal was carefully checked for compliance.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Transmittal
The act of transferring information securely.
Transmittal of sensitive data requires encryption.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Submittal
Documentation provided for review.
The contractor's submittal included material samples.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Transmittal
A formal method of communication in projects.
The project's progress was updated through a weekly transmittal.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Submittal
A proposal submitted for consideration.
The design submittal highlighted innovative environmental features.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Transmittal
The process involved in sending items or data.
The office established a new procedure for document transmittal.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Submittal
(construction) Data about a product, such as shop drawings, material data, or samples.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Submittal
To offer as a proposition or contention
I submit that the terms are entirely unreasonable.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Submittal
To subject to a condition or process
Submit a tissue sample to testing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Submittal
To allow oneself to be subjected to something
Submit to an interview.
Submit to drug testing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Transmittal
The act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Submittal
To present (something) to the consideration or judgment of another
We submitted our ideas to our supervisor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Submittal
To accept or give in to the authority, power, or will of another.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why is transmittal important in business communication?
Transmittal is crucial for documenting the exchange of information, ensuring clarity, and maintaining a record of communications between parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can a submittal include physical samples?
Yes, submittals can include physical samples of materials proposed for use in a project, such as paint, tiles, or wood.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is the significance of submittal approval?
Submittal approval signifies that the proposed materials, designs, or methods meet the project's specifications and can proceed.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can a transmittal be electronic?
Yes, transmittals can be electronic, utilizing email or project management software to send documents and information.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How is a transmittal form used?
A transmittal form is used to list and describe the documents or items being sent, serving as a receipt for both sender and receiver.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
What is the role of a submittal in quality control?
Submittals play a key role in quality control by ensuring materials and methods proposed meet the project standards and specifications before implementation.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is the main difference between a submittal and a transmittal letter?
A submittal letter seeks approval or review of the contents, while a transmittal letter documents the sending of information or items without necessarily seeking approval.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
How do transmittals facilitate project management?
Transmittals provide a documented trail of communication and item exchange, which helps in tracking project progress and maintaining transparency between involved parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is a submittal in construction?
A submittal in construction refers to documents or samples submitted by a contractor to a client or architect for approval before proceeding with the specified materials or methods in the project.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Can a submittal lead to project delays?
If submittals are not approved in a timely manner or require significant revisions, they can lead to delays in the project timeline.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is included in a submittal package?
A submittal package may include detailed plans, specifications, product data, and samples necessary for approval.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
What happens if a submittal is rejected?
If a submittal is rejected, the submitting party may need to provide revisions, alternative options, or additional information for reevaluation.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Are transmittals legally binding?
While transmittals themselves are not typically legally binding, they can serve as part of the documentation in contractual obligations and agreements.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How do submittals and transmittals differ in terms of response?
Submittals usually require a specific response such as approval or feedback, whereas transmittals may not require a response but acknowledge receipt.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Why are transmittals crucial for remote teams?
For remote teams, transmittals ensure clear and documented communication of information and items, crucial for coordinating work across different locations.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
