Updates using SPAM

Hello experts,

For updating the SAP systems, we use the SPAM/SAINT.

So, Is this the same 2 phase process as is the case with export and import of Requests(Customizing,workbench).

We use transport requests in SPAM/SAINT updates in the 3 system landscape. Like 1st we import the updates in DEV system, so if it is successful then it is imported into QAS and then to PRD. Is it!

Is the Transport directory involved in it or not?

Regards,

Sanjeev Kumar