Reducing RFQ Response Time by 70% Using AI Automation
Transforming manual RFQ processing into an AI-powered, end-to-end automated workflow for industrial supply chain efficiency.
Reducing RFQ Response Time by 70% Using AI Automation
Transforming manual RFQ processing into an AI-powered, end-to-end automated workflow for industrial supply chain efficiency.

Overcoming Fragmented RFQ Workflows
The client’s quote management process was inefficient due to highly unstructured RFQ submissions and complex multi-layer quotation workflows. Customers provided RFQs in diverse formats like Excel sheets, tabular PDFs, plain emails, and custom templates, leading to human errors, slow vendor communication, and delayed responses. Additionally, their dual-sourcing model required coordinating internal inventory checks and third-party vendor quotes, consolidating pricing, and ensuring margin accuracy. The lack of centralized tracking made monitoring progress, bottlenecks, and reporting difficult. Fragmented inputs, complex coordination across sales and vendors, and limited visibility created inefficiencies, increased errors, and reduced responsiveness. A transformative approach was required to modernize RFQ processing. The platform is architected for continued evolution and enhancement: Advanced AI Capabilities: Integration of newer LLM models for improved accuracy Predictive Analytics: AI-driven insights on pricing trends and vendor performance Mobile Access: Native mobile apps for on-the-go RFQ management Expanded Integrations: Direct ERP and accounting system connections Machine Learning Optimization: Continuous improvement of product mapping accuracy Customer Portal: Self-service RFQ submission and tracking for customers Analytics Dashboard: Business intelligence and performance reporting
IMPACT
70%
Time Saved in RFQ Processing
Approach to Automation
Edstem partnered closely with the client’s teams to analyze existing workflows, redesign processes, develop an LLM-driven AI parser, implement a React + Java Spring Boot platform, and integrate automated email handling via SendGrid and Azure infrastructure.
Technology Stack
AI-Powered RFQ Processing Platform
Edstem developed an end-to-end AI-driven platform to automate RFQ processing: Intelligent Email Parser: LLM-based engine that converts any RFQ format into structured data, maps items to an internal product database, and normalizes data for processing. End-to-End Workflow Automation: RFQ assignment, vendor outreach, status tracking, quote consolidation, and invoice generation, all automated. Centralized Visibility: Dashboard for real-time monitoring of the RFQ lifecycle from email receipt to invoice generation. Cloud & Integration: React frontend, Java Spring Boot backend, Python AI engine, Azure-based infrastructure, and SendGrid email automation. Collaborative Design & Agile Implementation: Iterative development based on stakeholder feedback ensured real-world usability. Key Innovation Decision: Early AI adoption in 2023 delivered a competitive advantage ahead of industry trends. Through Edstem's AI-driven RFQ processing platform, the organization transformed an error-prone, manual quoting process into a fully automated, intelligent workflow. The solution improved operational efficiency by 70% and enabled faster, more reliable customer service, positioning the client as a technology leader in the industrial supply chain sector.
Intelligent Parsing
LLM-driven engine extracts data from diverse RFQ formats and maps to product database
Automated Vendor Communication
Systematic email outreach via SendGrid reduces manual effort and accelerates quote collection from vendors.
End-to-End Visibility
Centralized dashboards track RFQ progress from email to invoice, improving stakeholder transparency
- Real-Time Tracking
- Complete Lifecycle Management
AI Parsing
LLM-driven extraction from any RFQ format
Email Automation
Automated vendor communications via SendGrid
Quote Consolidation
Aggregate internal and vendor pricing to generate accurate quotes
Centralized Dashboard
End-to-end visibility of RFQ lifecycle for all stakeholders
Impact & Outcomes
The AI-driven platform transformed RFQ processing: 70% reduction in manual processing time Faster and more accurate customer quotes Streamlined vendor coordination and follow-ups Centralized visibility across the sales cycle Competitive advantage through early AI adoption in 2023
Before
- Manual RFQ processing
- Fragmented Excel, PDF, and email inputs
- Delayed vendor communication
- Limited visibility and tracking
After
- AI-powered LLM parser handling any RFQ format
- Automated workflow from assignment to invoice
- Faster, accurate customer quotes
- Centralized dashboards with real-time monitoring
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