Submittal Exchange™ eliminates shipping time
for Pine Crest School Central Energy Plant

"We looked into Submittal Exchange because the primary engineer is in a different state and we wanted to push information electronically. Submittal Exchange has been perfect."
- Paul Carty, Project Manager, State Contracting & Engineering Corporation

Ft. Lauderdale, FL - In Ft. Lauderdale, a new Central Chilled Water Plant (CCWP) for Pine Crest Schools began construction in December 2008. Valued at $8.5 million, the energy plant is projected to be completed in December 2009 and will serve the entire 50 acre Pine Crest facility. Approximately 7000 ft. of pre-insulated chilled water distribution piping will connect the central energy plant to surrounding campus buildings. The project is using the Submittal Exchange system for submitting, reviewing, and tracking shop drawing and construction submittals electronically.

With 600+ submittals on the project and team members in different geographic locations, Submittal Exchange has helped to eliminate the turnaround time of shipping and courier services. State Contracting & Engineering Services (SCEC), the contractor on the project, is an engineering and construction firm located in Hollywood, Florida offering a broad range of construction services. "The main reason we looked into Submittal Exchange is because the primary engineer on the project is in a different state and we wanted to push the information electronically. Submittal Exchange has been perfect," stated Paul Carty, Project Manager for SCEC who has 20+ years of experience in the industry. "Submittal Exchange provides a convenience factor that improves the overall flow of information," added Carty.

"The quicker we can turnaround submittals the quicker the contractor can get to work. Submittal Exchange has absolutely played a factor in the speed of this project."
- Don Zimmerman, Project Manager, RMF Engineering, Inc.

RMF Engineering, Inc., the primary engineer on the project, is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and employs 170 office staff nationwide. Don Zimmerman, Project Manager with RMF Engineering's office in Charleston, South Carolina comments, "We're in Charleston and with the project in Ft. Lauderdale being able to receive and respond to submittals immediately has been a huge benefit to the project. With Submittal Exchange, when we receive the submittal we can send it right back out--you don't have that extra day or two of waiting on something to be delivered in the mail."

When asked if Submittal Exchange has played a role in the speed of the project Zimmerman stated, "The quicker we can turnaround submittals the quicker the contractor can get to work. The project information is right there, so if a question arises we have the most up-to-date version(s) for verification. Submittal Exchange has absolutely played a factor in the speed of this project." Carty added, "Submittal Exchange makes the process more convenient. We don't need to rush to ship out a package at 6:00pm to the engineer in South Carolina, I can take my time, press a button at 9:00pm and they have the information instantaneously for review the next day."

"The difference with Submittal Exchange is that it actually works, functions, and is easy to use, I recommend it every chance I get."
- Paul Carty, Project Manager, State Contracting & Engineering Corporation

The entire project team has also benefited from the ease of use and adaptability of the Submittal Exchange system. "I was concerned with the type of feedback I would receive from the subcontractors on the project, but the key with Submittal Exchange is that it's very easy to use and anyone can jump in and do it," commented Carty.

While measuring their experience with Submittal Exchange versus other electronic methods, the team has noticed distinct advantages in project team collaboration and the overall progression of the submittal process. "We have looked at other electronic solutions in the past, but we wanted to find a collaboration tool that actually worked and Submittal Exchange does that. I've heard nothing but positive feedback from the owner, architect, engineers, and the subs," stated Carty.

"I would definitely recommend Submittal Exchange to fellow construction professionals, it's a great product and is much better than other electronic solutions," commented Zimmerman. "The difference with Submittal Exchange is that it actually works, functions, and is easy to use, I recommend it every chance I get," added Carty.