RFQ automation · Bearing & power transmission distributors
RFQ Automation for Bearing and Power Transmission Distributors
In bearings and power transmission, the base number is only half the story. Seals and shields, clearances and brand-specific suffixes all change the item, and customers often quote a competitor’s number or an older designation.
What these RFQs look like
Illustrative lines, not customer data.
| Customer line | Why it slows quoting |
|---|---|
| 6205-2RS x 40 | Sealed variant; equivalents use different suffixes by brand. |
| 6205ZZ C3 x 10 | Shielded with a clearance suffix. |
| V-belt A42 x 12 | Classic designation; your catalog may list another naming. |
| Pillow block UCP205-16 x 4 | Assembly number with a bore-size suffix. |
Where manual processing breaks
Suffixes change the part
A seal or clearance suffix decides whether the item is right. Matching on the base number alone is risky.
Competitor numbers
Customers quote whatever is printed on the part they are replacing, often from a different brand.
Interchange lookups
Finding the equivalent in your own catalog means checking interchange tables line by line.
How RFQ Inbox handles it
- Alternative part numbers
Store interchange numbers on each product. A line that quotes one matches at 88 and is labeled as an alternative, not an exact match.
- Differences on screen
When the brand on the line differs from your catalog, the candidate lists it so the rep can confirm the substitution.
- Up to five candidates per line
Close variants show side by side with their scores, so picking the right suffix is a quick comparison.
Every match shows its score and evidence, prices come only from your catalog, and reviewed lines export to CSV or XLSX for your ERP. Read the full guide to RFQ automation.
Other industries
Send a sample RFQ and your catalog. We’ll show you the review table on your data.