Automated request for quotes to multiple suppliers

Purpose

1.1. Automate the process of sending requests for quotes (RFQs) to multiple pre-vetted suppliers when inventory levels drop below thresholds, new product sourcing is required, or scheduled procurement cycles commence.
1.2. Automatedly aggregate and track supplier responses for rapid price comparison, freeing procurement staff from manual outreach and data entry.
1.3. Automator supports timely restock, cost optimization, consistent communication, and audit trails for Army & Navy surplus retail environments.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. Automated inventory level threshold detected via Point-of-Sale or ERP integration.
2.2. Manual submission of new product sourcing automation form.
2.3. Recurring procurement schedule based on seasonal forecasting.
2.4. Automated detection of expiring supplier contracts or terms.

Platform Variants

3.1. Twilio SMS
• Feature/Setting: Automated SMS RFQ, configure API endpoint `/Messages` with supplier number and quote message structure.
3.2. SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: Automated bulk email RFQ, use `/mail/send` API to distribute templated quote requests with unique supplier merge fields.
3.3. Slack
• Feature/Setting: Automate direct or channel notifications to suppliers using Incoming Webhooks.
3.4. Outlook (Microsoft Graph)
• Feature/Setting: Automate email RFQ via `/sendMail` API with mail merge for all suppliers.
3.5. Gmail API
• Feature/Setting: Automate draft creation and sending via `/users/messages/send` for quote messages.
3.6. Google Sheets
• Feature/Setting: Use Apps Script automation to mail-merge and send RFQs to supplier emails from a sheet.
3.7. Salesforce
• Feature/Setting: Use Process Builder or Flow Automation to trigger RFQ based on Opportunity or Product status, emailing suppliers.
3.8. HubSpot
• Feature/Setting: Automate email workflows from Deals or custom objects with workflow email actions.
3.9. Zoho CRM
• Feature/Setting: Automator triggers from Inventory module, use Workflow Rule to send RFQ via email template.
3.10. Mailgun
• Feature/Setting: Automate transactional batch email quote requests with `/messages` API.
3.11. Microsoft Power Automate
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQs using “Send Email (V2)” action linked to procurement or inventory app.
3.12. Airtable
• Feature/Setting: Automate email sends via Airtable Automations using supplier records in a base.
3.13. SAP Ariba
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQ dispatch with “Create a sourcing event” API.
3.14. Oracle Procurement Cloud
• Feature/Setting: Automated Supplier Negotiation RFQ event via REST API.
3.15. DocuSign
• Feature/Setting: Automation with “Send Envelope” API for sending official RFQ document packets for digital signature.
3.16. Monday.com
• Feature/Setting: Automated emails via integration recipes when item status triggers RFQ.
3.17. Pipefy
• Feature/Setting: Automate supplier outreach using Email Automation feature at specified procurement phases.
3.18. Webhooks
• Feature/Setting: Automated generic outbound POST to supplier endpoints for custom quote communication.
3.19. Intercom
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQ messages via Intercom API to supplier contacts.
3.20. Freshdesk
• Feature/Setting: Automate ticket creation and email notification to suppliers leveraging RFQ templates.
3.21. JotForm
• Feature/Setting: Automate supplier notification using form submission triggers linked to email actions.
3.22. Asana
• Feature/Setting: Automate task creation and RFQ sending to supplier’s contact via email integration.

Benefits

4.1. Automates repetitive supplier outreach, reducing procurement team manual workload.
4.2. Enhances supplier response rates and speeds up sourcing cycles through automating communications.
4.3. Centralizes RFQ and supplier response data for audit and analysis.
4.4. Reduces supplier error/churn with automation consistency.
4.5. Supports scalable procurement as Army & Navy goods catalogs expand.