Direct Answer
A submittal log is a project management document tracking every shop drawing and document submitted for review — including submission date, the reviewer's response, revision status, and current approval level. It is essential because it is the only reliable way to know which drawings are approved for construction and which are still pending.
Full Explanation
On a mid-size project, a submittal log may track 50–150 individual drawing sheets across multiple revision rounds. Without a log, it is common for outdated drawings to migrate to the shop floor, for review comments to go unresolved, or for fabrication to proceed on R&R drawings. Most GCs require the submittal log as a project record. Electronic submittal management tools (Procore, Bluebeam, PlanGrid) automate much of this tracking.
What This Means for Your Shop
Maintain your own fabricator's copy of the submittal log, separate from the GC's log. The GC's log may not reflect the detailed drawing-by-drawing approval status that your shop needs. Your log is also evidence in dispute resolution.
Common Mistakes
Relying on the GC or architect to manage the submittal log and assuming all drawings on file are approved. This is how fabricators end up with mixed IFC and R&R drawings in the same folder.
Recommended Process
Create a submittal log in Excel or a PM tool at project kickoff. Update it within 24 hours of any submittal or review response. Color-code by status (approved, A/N, R&R). Never release a drawing to the shop floor without confirming it is in the 'Approved' or resolved 'A/N' column.