Quoting

The traditional request for quoting process uses part numbers along with keyword searches which can be inefficient and inaccurate. If a previous design can’t be located using this method, the engineer would typically have to sketch the part and do some research before providing a quote. This can lead to higher design and production costs along with slower responses to customers.

By using VizSeek, visual and shape search, quoting engineers can respond to customers much quicker. The engineer can upload a photo, 2D hand sketch, 2D drawing or a 3D model to find similar existing parts that they have previously quoted. Similar and exact parts are returned along with ERP, machine code, estimates and lead times. Once a matching part has been selected, the engineer can use the information to rapidly respond to the customer RFQ with accurate pricing and delivery times.

Impact

- Quoting time is decreased from days to less than an hour

- Design and production costs drop by 30%

- Traditional process: $50 hour x 8 hours (engineering services) = $400

- Using visual search: $50 hour x 1 hour (engineering services) = $50

Savings: $255,000/year

(based on two quotes per day taking 8 hours per quote vs 1 hour using visual search)