Streamlining the RFQ Process for Fast, Accurate Quotes
We know your timelines are critical. Every step in the production process plays a role in getting your parts delivered on time, including the quoting stage. Projects can get started on the right foot and operations can be streamlined when we have all the relevant information in your RFQ.
At Accurate CNC, we aim to return quotes within 24 hours. While every project is different, there are several steps customers can take to help make this possible.
Start with Complete Design Files
Providing complete design documentation upfront will speed up the quoting process. CAD files, in particular, help streamline quoting by allowing our team to quickly evaluate part geometry and manufacturing requirements.
Ideally, your RFQ should include:
3D models (STEP or SLDPRT files preferred)
2D prints / drawings with dimensions and tolerances (PDF)
Surface finish requirements
Thread specifications
Bill of materials (BOM)
Secondary processing requirements
When complete design files are available, projects can be evaluated quickly and accurately. We use Paperless Parts quoting software to streamline the process. In many cases, a complete 3D model and drawing package enables us to turn a quote around within a matter of minutes.
If you are unable to provide a solid model, we’re still more than happy to work with you and can use any available sketches or documentation you have. Just understand that the process might take slightly longer. We’ll still do our best to turn the quote around quickly and keep your schedules on track.
Provide As Much Information As Possible
We know it’s not always easy, or even possible, to get us a solid model or print. That’s why we just ask that you provide as much information as possible.
The more details we receive upfront, the less back-and-forth communication is needed, helping your project move into production sooner.
For example, if you do not have a dimensioned drawing to include, be sure to communicate important details such as:
Critical tolerances
Surface finish requirements
Thread specifications
Material requirements
Secondary operations
We work with customers across a wide range of industries and understand that confidentiality is often important. If needed, Accurate CNC is happy to sign an NDA before reviewing project files.
Simply provide us with everything you have, and we’ll work with you from there. Plus, our team is happy to collaborate if you have any questions.
Consider the Full Scope of the Project
Additional requirements can significantly impact pricing and lead time. Important callouts should be included during the RFQ stage to ensure a more accurate quote.
Welding Requirements
For assemblies, include clearly identified weld locations and specifications. For example, if welds need to be ground flush, this should be communicated during the quoting process.
Packaging Requirements
Packaging is often overlooked during the RFQ stage. If parts require special packaging, protective materials, labeling, or shipment preparation, include these requirements upfront.
Material Flexibility
Including approved material substitutions can help prevent delays. We have a variety of materials in stock, and if one of these is equivalent to the material you request, we could keep projects moving forward quickly without affecting performance.
Finishing Expectations
For powder coating and other finishing processes, provide color codes and approved alternatives. Because codes are brand-specific, it is helpful to know whether equivalent colors from other brands are acceptable. If a specific color or brand is required, be sure to note that in your RFQ.
Quoting Across Capabilities
Projects often involve more than a single operation. Luckily, at Accurate CNC, we support a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including CNC routing services, laser engraving, 3D printing services, and complex assembly services.
As our capabilities continue to expand, including the addition of new fabrication equipment, quoting is evolving at our precision machine shop.
Every project may involve different materials and production requirements. This is why detailed RFQs are so valuable. Complete project information allows our team to evaluate the full scope of work so you receive accurate timelines and pricing from the start.
Quoting Simplified With Accurate CNC
Because manufacturing timelines are often critical to keeping your schedule on track, we work as hard as we can to turn your quotes around quickly and accurately.
With your help in providing complete information upfront, we streamline the RFQ process and get your projects started as fast as possible. Request a quote from our Idaho machine shop today.