Quotations Management System
A comprehensive CRM that streamlines the quotation process between buyers and suppliers, automating proposal creation and tracking.
Project Overview
Qest is a specialized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system designed to streamline the quotation process between buyers and suppliers. The platform enables organization administrators to prepare detailed quotations and share them directly with customers.
The system features powerful automation capabilities based on different items and quantities, making the quotation preparation process efficient and error-free. Additionally, a comprehensive reporting system allows users to analyze quotation data, track conversion rates, and identify trends to optimize business strategies.
Project Challenges
Our client approached us with several specific challenges they wanted to address:
- Building a web application to manage all quotations throughout the entire business cycle
- Automating the quotation preparation process to reduce manual effort and errors
- Creating a streamlined way to share quotations with potential clients
- Developing a system for both suppliers and buyers to interact within the same platform
- Implementing comprehensive reporting to extract valuable insights from quotation data
- Enabling proposal comparison functionality for buyers to evaluate multiple offers
- Building a flexible system that could adapt to various industries and quotation requirements
Our Solution
We developed a comprehensive quotation management system with the following key features:
Streamlined Quotation Creation
An intuitive interface for creating detailed quotations with customizable templates, automated calculations, and item management, saving significant time and reducing errors in the process.
Dual-Interface for Suppliers and Buyers
Separate but integrated login systems for suppliers and buyers, each with tailored interfaces that address their specific needs while facilitating smooth communication between parties.
Budget and Proposal Management
Tools for creating, tracking, and managing budgets alongside proposal development, allowing organizations to maintain financial control throughout the quotation process.
Proposal Comparison and Selection
A sophisticated comparison screen that enables buyers to evaluate multiple proposals side-by-side based on various criteria, facilitating informed decision-making.
Flexible Quotation Sharing
Multiple options for sharing quotations with clients, including email integration and secure shareable links that can be distributed via messaging platforms.
Comprehensive Reporting System
Advanced reporting capabilities that transform quotation data into actionable insights, with customizable reports, visualizations, and trend analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Automated Workflows
Intelligent automation based on predefined triggers such as item selection and quantity thresholds, streamlining the entire quotation process from creation to approval.
Technical Implementation
Qest was built as a robust web application with the following technology stack:
Backend Development
- ✓Ruby on Rails 5 framework for rapid development
- ✓PostgreSQL database for reliable data storage
- ✓RESTful API architecture for system components
- ✓RSpec for comprehensive testing coverage
Frontend Development
- ✓jQuery for dynamic user interactions
- ✓JavaScript for client-side functionality
- ✓AJAX for seamless data updates
- ✓Bootstrap 3 for responsive design
The application was built using a monolithic Rails architecture, providing a cohesive user experience while maintaining efficient data management. The system was designed with scalability in mind, allowing for the handling of numerous quotations and users without performance degradation.
For deployment, we utilized Heroku's cloud platform, which provided reliable hosting with automatic scaling capabilities. Version control was managed through GitHub SVN, ensuring collaborative development and maintaining a clear history of all changes made during the development process.
Results & Impact
Reduction in time spent creating and managing quotations
Increase in quotation conversion rates
Users reported improved client communication
Growth in client's customer base following implementation
Qest has transformed the client's quotation management process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to create, share, and track quotations. The automated workflows have minimized errors and improved consistency, while the reporting tools have provided valuable insights that drive business decisions. The system has become an integral part of the client's operations, enhancing both internal efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Project Details
Domain
Customer Relationship Management
Tech Stack
Architecture
Monolithic Rails Web Application
Deployment
Web Server: Heroku
Additional Tools
- • RSpec Testing Framework
- • GitHub SVN
- • AJAX
Streamline Your Quote Process?
Let's discuss how a custom quotation management system can help your business close more deals efficiently.