FABRICATION QUOTING GUIDE

How to Reduce RFQ Data Entry in a Fabrication Business

RFQ automation is not just about reading a PDF. The goal is to turn messy customer information into a structured estimating checklist so the estimator spends less time copying fields and more time reviewing the job.

6 min read

Start with the information estimators need

A useful RFQ workflow should pull out the fields that affect quoting and make them easy to confirm.

  • Customer and enquiry reference
  • Part number and description
  • Quantity
  • Material and thickness
  • Finish or outside process
  • Required date
  • Drawing or DXF references

Treat missing information as a first-class result

If the customer has not specified material, thickness, finish or another critical requirement, the software should say so. Guessing can turn a fast quote into an expensive mistake.

Match documents to drawings

A strong workflow connects part numbers in the RFQ with filenames or drawing references so the estimator can review commercial requirements beside geometry rather than jumping between files.

Create quote-ready data, not an automatic commitment

The extracted information should prepare line items and checks for review. The final sell price still needs the company's costing rules, current supplier rates and estimator judgement.

TRY THE WORKFLOW

See how RavQuote handles a real fabrication job.

Bring an RFQ, PO, DXF or previous quote and compare the workflow with the way you estimate today.