RFQs taken with material, quantity and finish
A buyer with a drawing sends it to the first shop that picks up. The agent picks up, writes the RFQ the way your estimator would, and tells the buyer where to send the files, so the quote starts today.
A buyer, engineer or new customer calls about a part, a run or a one-off fabrication job.
Takes the part, material, quantities, finish, tolerances and due date, and sends drawing instructions.
An RFQ in the estimating queue with the specs, the buyer and the files on the way.
How it works
- Learns the part
A bracket, an enclosure, a weldment, a machined shaft. What it does and what it goes into, because that tells your estimator a lot.
- Takes the specs
Material and grade, thickness or gauge, the quantity per release and per year, and any tight tolerances on the drawing.
- Asks about finish
Powder coat and colour, galvanizing, plating, or raw. Outside finishing changes the lead time, so it goes on the RFQ.
- Asks the due date
When they need the quote and when they need parts. A rush gets flagged to the estimator.
- Gets the drawings
Texts or emails the buyer how to send files to your estimating inbox: PDF plus STEP or DXF, whatever your shop asks for.
- Queues the RFQ
The estimator sees the RFQ with the buyer's details and the files attached when they arrive.
Example call
- CustomerHi, I need a quote on two hundred mounting brackets. I can send the drawing over.
- AI agentGreat, we can quote that. What material are they, and what thickness?
- CustomerMild steel, quarter inch. Bent once, four holes.
- AI agentThanks. Any finish on them, powder coat or galvanized?
- CustomerBlack powder coat.
- AI agentGot it. Is two hundred a one-time order, or do you expect repeat releases through the year?
- CustomerProbably two hundred a quarter. We need the first batch by the end of next month.
- AI agentThat helps the estimator a lot. I'll email you where to send the drawing, a PDF and a STEP file if you have one. Raymond will have your quote back to you.
After the call: Raymond has an RFQ for 200 quarter-inch mild steel brackets, one bend, four holes, black powder coat, about 800 a year, first batch due end of next month. The buyer has the drawing instructions by email.
What your team gets
- RFQs in the estimating queue with full specs, not a phone number on a sticky note
- Annual volumes and release sizes asked on every call
- Finish and outside processes noted for lead time
- Rush dates flagged to the estimator
- Drawing instructions sent to every buyer
Questions
Will it give a price or a lead time?
No. Pricing and lead times on new work come from your estimator. It says when they usually reply.
Can it take an RFQ for a part we don't make?
It knows the processes you do. If it's outside them, it says so politely and, if you want, notes it for sales.
Does it understand drawing terms?
Yes. It knows gauges, grades, tolerances and common finishes, and writes them down the way the buyer says them.
Hear it on your phone
Request a demo call and the agent phones you, set up for manufacturers and fabricators like yours.