Workflow automation · 2026
Manufacturing RFQ Control
From a drawing and BOM in the inbox to a tracked, engineering-reviewed quotation. The repetitive coordination is automated; critical commercial and technical decisions stay with people.
- Discipline
- Manufacturing operations automation
- Built with
- n8n · PostgreSQL · Gmail · Google Sheets · Telegram
- Approach
- Human approval · Durable tracking · Controlled delivery
01 / The problem
One RFQ, too much coordination.
A manufacturing request often starts with an email, a drawing and a bill of materials. Someone then has to collect missing details, prevent duplicate records, update tracking, coordinate engineering review and prepare a quote. These handoffs are easy to lose between tools.
02 / Intake and review
Organize the request before making a decision.
The workflow captures incoming RFQs through Gmail, extracts text and spreadsheet data from supported attachments and flags missing information for review. PostgreSQL holds the RFQ record while Google Sheets serves as a familiar tracking surface. Technical drawings and incomplete information still require engineering verification.
03 / Quotation controls
People own the approval.
An authorized operator prepares a quotation against an immutable revision. An approver reviews the exact recipient and quotation through Telegram. Rejection or expiry blocks release; approval is tied to that specific request rather than granting open-ended permission.
04 / Delivery and recovery
A send attempt needs an audit trail.
The delivery path checks the approved state and uses a single-use claim before attempting Gmail delivery. Successful sends are recorded. If the delivery result is uncertain, the system calls for manual reconciliation rather than blindly trying again.
05 / Scope
Designed for a real handoff, not a magic button.
The system is an engineering-led automation build, not an autonomous pricing engine or a finished customer deployment. Pricing, feasibility, tolerances and delivery commitments remain human decisions. Each customer implementation needs its own credentials, validation and acceptance tests.
System views
A closer look at the workflow.
Real screenshots from the build, with no autoplay media or promotional video embeds.
Automation for manufacturing operations