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1. Pipeline, RFQ intake & quoting

An inaccurate or poorly researched quote can lead to lost revenue or margin erosion once production begins. The Request for Quotation process is a critical first step evaluating the commercial viability of every project we onboard.

This chapter outlines the structured mechanics of the RFQ pipeline. We cover the intake guidelines for engineering data packs, the methodology for generating accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) costings, and the calculation of initial setup fees to help ensure a mutually beneficial and profitable engagement.

  • 1.1 Commercial qualification

    Manufacturing capacity and engineering time are valuable, finite resources. Time spent detailing quotes for incompatible projects reduces the attention available for viable partnerships. The Commercia...

  • 1.2 RFQ intake checklist & golden data pack

    Manufacturing speed relies on data integrity. An incomplete or ambiguous RFQ package halts the New Product Introduction (NPI) process immediately. We do not guess component values or orientations; we...

  • 1.3 Quotation model: cost structure & assumptions

    A quotation is a simulation of the production run. If the pricing model fails to account for material attrition, setup time, or component minimums, the factory loses margin before the first board is p...

  • 1.4 Deal desk: quote approval & margin guardrails

    Revenue does not equal profit. The Deal Desk exists to filter out "toxic revenue"—projects that consume capacity without generating sufficient yield or cash flow. This workflow forces a conscious deci...

  • 1.5 Contract review & commercial controls

    A signed contract is primarily a liability container. Discrepancies between legal terms and operational reality cause immediate financial leakage. Contract reviews exist to precisely define the moment...

  • 1.6 Sales → project handoff package

    A signed PO carries little value until Operations can definitively execute it. The Sales to Project Management (Project Manager) handoff serves as a formal Quality Gate. The Sales cycle extends beyond...