Executive Summary
Distro’s AutoBid is more than quoting automation. It’s a generative quoting engine purpose-built for distributors for real-time supply chain and procurement visibility. It transforms chaotic RFQs into structured, supply-chain-validated quotes faster with more accurately and with instantly actionable data. By connecting contractor requests directly into ERP and supplier networks, AutoBid compresses hours of manual quoting into minutes, while protecting margins and strengthening trust across the value chain.
Why Are RFQs So Difficult in Distribution?
RFQs are mission-critical. Contractors need the exact parts, systems, or accessories at the right price and the right time. Yet requests often arrive fragmented and incomplete:
PDFs, spreadsheets, or emails missing key details.
Handwritten notes or images requiring manual interpretation.
Long, complex bills of material that require line-by-line validation.
Distributors spend hours manually retyping, cross-checking, and calling suppliers. The result: delays, higher error rates, and eroded margins.
Why Procurement Automation and Supply Chain Visibility Change the Game
Quoting isn’t just about price. It’s about confidence in availability, accuracy, and speed. AutoBid applies generative and procurement automation principles to quoting, delivering a structured, procurement-aware engine:
RFQ Structuring (Procurement Data Capture)
AutoBid digitizes and normalizes contractor RFQs in any formation (PDF, email, spreadsheet, handwritten, etc), just as procurement tools ingest fragmented supplier data—eliminating hours of re-entry.
AI-Driven Enrichment (Supplier Data Intelligence)
Every line item is enriched with specs, codes, and compliance data, mirroring supplier master-data enrichment in procurement platforms.
Live ERP + Supplier Integration (Procurement Visibility)
Real-time supplier and ERP data ensures that every quote reflects actual inventory, lead times, and landed costs—not stale spreadsheets.
Documentation Automation (Procurement Compliance)
Like procurement systems that package compliance documentation, AutoBid automatically attaches warranties, certifications, and installation guides.
Continuous Learning (Supplier & Buyer Behavioral Insights)
AutoBid learns from reps, suppliers, and contractor preferences, adapting quoting behavior just as procurement platforms adapt sourcing strategies
FAQs
Q: What is quoting automation?
A: Quoting automation uses AI to capture, structure, and enrich RFQs, generating complete and accurate quotes in minutes—while pulling real-time data from ERP and supplier systems.
Q: How does Distro help with takeoffs?
A: Distro performs automatic takeoffs from contractor docs, converting messy inputs into ERP-ready, supply-chain–validated quotes instantly.
Q: Will Distro replace people?
A: No. Distro removes repetitive quoting work so teams can focus on customer service, supplier relationships, and revenue growth.
Q: Why Distro vs. point solutions?
A: Unlike tools that handle only pieces of the process, Distro is the only AI Revenue Platform for distributors—integrating quoting, takeoffs, and supply chain visibility in one engine.
Closing Thought
Quoting may always require precision, but it no longer has to drain hours of effort. Distro AutoBid unites RFQ automation with supply chain intelligence, turning messy contractor requests into fast, accurate, and profitable deals.
From instant line-item extraction to real-time supplier validation, AutoBid ensures distributors quote faster, win more jobs, and capture more margin—with confidence backed by the entire supply chain.
