Automated RFQ (request for quotation) dispatch

**Purpose**

1.1. Automate the creation, personalization, and dispatch of RFQs (request for quotation) to lock suppliers in the security supplies industry.
1.2. Automates the collection of supplier data, matches it with purchase requests, and sends out RFQs via multiple channels (email, SMS, webhook, API).
1.3. Ensures that procurement teams automatedly reach multiple suppliers promptly, track responses, and keep detailed records.
1.4. Automates compliance checks, budget validation, attachment of specs, and routing based on supplier capability or history.

**Trigger Conditions**

2.1. New purchase request submitted by staff or system.
2.2. Automated scheduled RFQ batch cycles (e.g., daily, weekly).
2.3. Manual trigger by procurement manager within procurement portal.
2.4. Automation kicks in on receipt of low stock/threshold alert from warehouse management system.

**Platform Variants**

3.1. Gmail API
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQ emails by sending templated messages; set up via `/gmail/v1/users/messages/send` endpoint.
3.2. Outlook Graph API
• Feature/Setting: Automatically dispatch emails with attachments; configure via `/me/sendMail` endpoint with dynamic payload.
3.3. Twilio SMS
• Feature/Setting: Automate SMS notifications to suppliers; set up `messages.create()` with supplier mobile and RFQ summary.
3.4. Slack API
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQ broadcast to supplier Slack channels; configure `chat.postMessage` for instant updates.
3.5. Microsoft Teams Webhook
• Feature/Setting: Automatically post RFQ details in Teams channel using Incoming Webhook connector.
3.6. SendGrid
• Feature/Setting: Automatedly send bulk or personalized RFQ emails; configure `/mail/send` API with dynamic merge fields.
3.7. DocuSign
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQ PDF attachments via EnvelopeCreation for signature/handoff.
3.8. HubSpot CRM
• Feature/Setting: Use Workflow Automation to enroll supplier contacts and trigger RFQ emails through CRM sequences.
3.9. Salesforce Flow
• Feature/Setting: Automate RFQ record creation and dispatch using Flow Builder's send email action.
3.10. Zoho CRM
• Feature/Setting: Automator workflow to auto-email RFQ using `sendMail` deluge function.
3.11. SAP Ariba
• Feature/Setting: Automated RFQ generation and e-sourcing dispatch via Ariba API.
3.12. Oracle Procurement Cloud
• Feature/Setting: Empower automation of RFQs using B2B Messaging integration and standard procurement workflows.
3.13. QuickBooks Online
• Feature/Setting: Automatically send RFQs from purchase module using custom workflows or Apps API.
3.14. Freshdesk
• Feature/Setting: Auto-generate and dispatch RFQs as tickets to supplier contacts using workflow automator.
3.15. Monday.com
• Feature/Setting: Use automations to create pulses and send RFQs via integrated email or webhook notifications.
3.16. Asana
• Feature/Setting: Trigger automated RFQ task and email/EasyMail integration for supplier notification.
3.17. Trello Power-Ups
• Feature/Setting: Automate card creation tagged ‘RFQ’ to trigger supplier notifications via Email Power-Up.
3.18. Mailgun
• Feature/Setting: Automate transactional RFQ emails using `messages/send` API endpoint.
3.19. Webhook/REST API (Generic)
• Feature/Setting: Automatable configuration to POST RFQ data to external supplier procurement systems.
3.20. Dropbox API
• Feature/Setting: Auto-upload RFQ attachments to shared folders; share links with suppliers via automated email.

**Benefits**

4.1. Automates repetitive supplier communication, saving hundreds of manual hours.
4.2. Prevents human error in RFQ process and ensures compliance.
4.3. Accelerates procurement cycle through prompt, multi-channel supplier engagement.
4.4. Automates record-keeping and status tracking across platforms, ensuring transparency and auditability.
4.5. Automated RFQ dispatch improves supplier response time and increases potential for competitive pricing.