Drawing delays create hidden admin
Drawing approval delays do not only affect the design team. They create follow-up emails, version checks, site queries, procurement delays and uncertainty about which information is safe to build from.
This simple calculation helps teams estimate the weekly admin pressure.
Basic formula
delay admin hours = open drawing queries x average chase minutes x weekly chase frequency / 60
For example, 18 open drawing queries chased for 8 minutes twice per week creates:
18 x 8 x 2 / 60 = 4.8 hours per week
Add revision risk
The real cost rises when teams need to compare revisions manually or confirm who received the latest drawing. Add time for revision checks if people are using email folders or shared drives as the control system.
What to improve first
- Keep a single drawing register.
- Track revision status and approval owner.
- Link RFIs and comments to the drawing record.
- Record who received each issue.
- Report overdue approvals before they block work.
How Zektrx helps
Zektrx helps contractors control drawings, revisions, RFIs, approvals and reports so approval delays are easier to see and reduce.