The letter of transmittal is a classic paper-based cover sheet used in construction projects to explain the contents of the package and explain why it is being sent. With modern technology, transmittals are no longer necessary.
Originally, transmittals were shipped, on paper, with a package of documents or drawings. Then, project teams began faxing them, and then sending them by email. Nowadays, construction management software is able to take care of all of this for the project team, sounding the death toll for the transmittal.
Drawings, photographs, submittals, requests for information (RFI) can all be shared electronically today using Internet-based applications, with the contents of electronic packages automatically logged and tracked. All the paper, and attendant shipping, filing and storage costs can be eliminated, as information is now stored and archived electronically. Software can track who has opened the packages as well, and report who hasn’t – and who is introducing project delays.
With information technology permeating every aspect of the project, reaching all the way to the job site, we don’t need transmittals any longer.
Posts