I preferred the Excel file because it allowed me to change a number of quoting variables, including batch quantity and labor costs. This is a great way for users to become familiar with the service, and it helps developers get feedback from users to help define and perfect the system. If you choose to participate, you will have a unique opportunity to help create a new service for the engineering community. If not, wait a few months and check in from time to time to see how things are coming along. If Technomatix removes all of the bugs and the service offers good, consistent results, this will be a very nice tool.
Buyers can select either the basic or the premium plan.
The basic plan is free and lets you post RFQs, sort RFQs by criteria, receive quotes, sort quotes by criteria, analyze RFQ activity, and collaborate with suppliers. Premium users can manage RFQs individually or as projects and use a project invitation list. They can also specify RFQ target price and automatically reject quotes that are high. Analysis tools calculate estimated project cost dynamically, calculate variance from project budget, and use closed projects for historical analysis. Premium users can retract and modify RFQs if requirements change, filter RFQs and quotes received, and collaborate with all or individual suppliers selectively.