SharpeSoft Estimator offers the ability to instantaneously request and receive quotes on associated bid items with either the MatConnect or SubConnect programs provided to vendors by SharpeSoft. This blog will quickly articulate the means by which users who have already created their material packages can then submit RFQs to any listed vendors, as well as how to import these received quotes back into the Estimator.
Once you have created a Material Comparison Package in Estimator, you will go to the Material Detail window to send a copy of the package along with a request for a price quote (RFQ) to the vendors you selected for the package.
When the receive your request, they can use the SharpeSoft MatConnect system to process your material package into a quote proposal and then email it back to you. MatConnect formats the proposal quote so that users may download it automatically to the Material Package Detail window in Estimator, allowing you to compare all of your vendor quotes side by side and decide which has the best prices.
Sending the RFQ
Access the Material Package Detail window with the instructions below.
Select the Material Comparison button on the toolbar.
From the Material Comparison Package window, select the package to be edited. Highlight the package or double-click on it to continue.
The Material Package Detail Window will open.
Inside the Material Package Detail Window, click underneath the vendor you wish to request a quote from, then select the Email request for quote to selected vendor only button. If you have loaded in multiple vendors and want to request quotes from all of them, select the button next to it, Email request for quote to all vendors.
Receiving the Quote
Once the vendor(s) has successfully entered their data and sent their quote back via email, you will need to download the .mcp file attachment to your desktop.
The next step will depend on whether you are working on-premise or on the SharpeSoft cloud environment. If you are working on-premise, skip the following step.
Uploading Documents to the Cloud Environment
To access the quote file inside Estimator, you will first need to import it using the Cloud Toolbar.
Select PC to Server from the Cloud Toolbar dropdown menu.
Select the file to upload, then click Open.
Select Import Quote (Ctrl+N) on the toolbar.
The Select Import File window will open. Select which quotes, if any, to import into the Estimator. Select Open.
The Quote button beneath the vendor's column in the Material Package Detail will begin to blink, signifying that the quote has been successfully entered but not yet loaded. Click on Quote to load in the vendor's quote prices, based on the time and date when the RFQ is received.
Once complete, the vendor's quote prices will be displayed in the column beneath their name.
Conclusion
Requesting and receiving vendor quotes is simple and easy with the SharpeSoft Estimator, eliminating any headache involved in acquiring accurate pricing data quickly.
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