17: RfQs in Excel? Why the risk for suppliers is enormous

The automotive supply industry is complex - and the acquisition of new projects is crucial to a company's long-term success. But while the market is digitizing, many suppliers are still working with inadequate software for processing requests for quotations (RfQs).

❌ Excel spreadsheets, outdated in-house solutions or failed standard CRM implementations lead to massive problems in the quotation phase:

- Lack of transparency increases the risk of errors that jeopardize profitability and compliance.

- Slowprocesses lead to delayed quotes and dissatisfied customers.

- High manual effort eats up valuable resources and generates unnecessary overhead costs.

But why do so many companies continue to rely on inadequate systems? And what solution is there to make the RfQ process efficient, error-free and future-proof?

The problem: RfQs with inefficient software slow down sales

Many suppliers struggle with historically grown processes that are not designed for modern sales requirements. The consequences are serious:

📌 RfQ data is fragmented: Information is stored in various Excel files, emails or in non-networked systems. This makes uniform evaluation and tracking difficult.

📌 High level of manual effort: from quotation preparation to approval by management, data has to be entered, checked and reconciled several times across different departments.

📌 Lack of a real-time overview: without a central platform, there is a lack of structured analyses of the quotation portfolio, acquisition calendar or success rates.

📌 Increased compliance risk: Excel and outdated in-house solutions do not offer clear approval processes or automated documentation - errors or incomplete calculations often go unnoticed.

The consequence? Delayed quotations, pricing errors and missed opportunities

The solution: end-to-end, digital RfQ management

A modern RfQ system replaces fragmented spreadsheets and non-transparent processes with an integrated, automated solution that maps the entire quotation process.

1. Centralized RfQ management for the entire quotation process

Instead of managing RfQs in different files and systems, a standardized platform brings all request data together.

✔ Management and analysis of all customer inquiries in one central location

✔ Automatic recording and categorization of RfQs

✔ Standardized resolution templates for fast management approval

With a structured system, errors can be avoided, quotation cycles shortened and resources deployed in a more targeted manner.

2. Automated integrations with PLM, ERP and other systems

A modern RfQ tool communicates seamlessly with existing systems such as PLM, ERP or costing software.

✔ No double data entry - relevant information flows automatically into the RfQ system

✔ More efficient costing thanks to direct connection to cost structures

✔ Optimized collaboration between sales, controlling and engineering

Intelligent integrations allow RfQsto be processed faster and strategic decisions to be made more effectively.

3. Automation along the entire RfQ workflow

Many manual activities can be replaced by automation - from project creation and costing to pricing and quotation approval.

✔ Automated determination of material and production costs

✔ Standardized creation of cost breakdowns (CBD)

✔ Real-time analysis of quotations on hand, acquisition calendar and incoming orders

With a digital workflow, the sales team can focus on strategic decisions instead of manual data processing.

4. Global availability and system performance in real time

An RfQ system must be accessible at any time and from anywhere - especially for global suppliers.

✔ Cloud-based solution for location-independent access

✔ Scalable performance even with high quotation frequency

✔ Real-time dashboards for a quick overview of open RfQs

With a globally available platform, international sales teams are optimally networked and bottlenecks are avoided

The solution: Digital Automotive for future-proof RfQ management

Many suppliers lose valuable time and resources because they are working with outdated systems or Excel spreadsheets. Digital Automotive offers a fully integrated solution for RfQ management:

🔹 Centralized management of all requests and quotation processes

🔹 Automated workflows from project creation to pricing

🔹S eamless integration with PLM, ERP and other systems

🔹 Global availability and real-time analyses for strategic decisions

With Digital Automotive, the chaos of Excel spreadsheets and inefficient processes is a thing of the past.

Conclusion: manage RfQs efficiently - ensure success

The quotation process is crucial to the business success of suppliers. Those who are still processing RfQs with Excel or outdated in-house solutions are at risk:

❌ Unnecessary errors in calculations and approvals

❌ High manual effort and non-transparent processes

❌ Delayed quotation preparation and missed sales opportunities

🚀 With a modern, digital solution for RfQ management, companies secure their competitiveness - and win strategic orders faster.

👉F ind out how Digital Automotive can transform your RfQ management. Book a live demo now at digital-automotive-supplier.com.

👉 Learn how Digital Automotive transforms your sales planning. Book a live demo now at https://digital-automotive-supplier.com/de/kontakt