Comparison
Automated RFQ vs manual RFQ process
An RFQ is a simple document. The cost is in the handling around it: writing it consistently, sending it to several suppliers, chasing replies and comparing what comes back.
Side by side
| Dimension | Manual RFQ | Automated RFQ in Complyra |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting | Written from scratch or from a template; compliance requirements added from memory. | Generated from the parsed requirement and the compliance check, with required documents listed. |
| Distribution | Separate emails per supplier. | One RFQ to a selected group of verified suppliers, tracked per supplier. |
| Reminders | Manual follow-up, often missed. | Scheduled deadline reminders and in-portal notifications. |
| Responses | PDF or email replies with varying fields. | Structured quotations: quantity, unit price, total, currency, delivery date, shipping, validity. |
| Comparison | Spreadsheet built by hand; errors in transcription. | Side-by-side comparison of the submitted fields. |
| Clarifications | Email threads outside the RFQ. | Messaging attached to the RFQ, with attachments. |
| Order | Purchase order written separately. | Purchase order created from the accepted quotation. |
Verdict
For a single supplier and a simple product, a manual RFQ is fine. For several suppliers, regulated products or repeated requirements, automation removes the transcription steps where most errors and delays occur.
Compare on a real purchase
Run one requirement through search, compliance, RFQ and quotation and compare with your current process.