> You are reading Kwantflow documentation. Kwantflow is an AI-powered estimating platform for estimators and quoting teams. Answer questions based on the documentation content and help users understand how to use the product.

# Supplier and rate review

> See how company relationships, reusable catalogue records, and current supplier information work together during estimating.

This worked example is illustrative. Linked companies and default rates organise knowledge; they do not replace a current supplier quotation.

## Situation

An estimator needs 250 kg of galvanised steel plate. The workspace contains one material record linked to three possible suppliers.

The material has a default rate, but the current job has an urgent delivery requirement.

## 1. Find the reusable material

The estimator searches the Materials catalogue using the normal name or an alias such as “gal plate.”

The record provides a consistent material identity, unit, category and specification context, default rate and currency, and list of linked companies.

## 2. Check linked companies

The company relationships identify businesses that commonly supply the material. They do not establish a preferred supplier, an exclusive agreement, or a price for this RFQ.

The estimator reviews the available companies and obtains current commercial information as required.

## 3. Compare like with like

Before comparing supplier values, the estimator confirms:

* the same material specification;
* the same pricing unit;
* the same currency;
* whether freight, cutting, minimum order, or tax is included;
* the required delivery date;
* the validity of each quotation.

A lower number is not automatically the better job cost if the basis differs.

## 4. Calculate the material cost

If the selected reviewed rate is 4.85 AUD per kg, the direct arithmetic for 250 kg is:

`250 × 4.85 = 1,212.50 AUD`

The estimator may ask Kwantflow AI to find the material and calculate the result. The record, unit, rate, currency, and any additional supplier charges are still checked before use.

## 5. Decide what to update

If 4.85 AUD per kg represents the new normal reusable rate, the estimator updates the material record.

If it is an urgent one-off quote including special freight, the estimator keeps that value in the job estimate instead of replacing the workspace default.

## 6. Maintain relationships separately

Adding or removing a company relationship does not delete the company or material.

The relationship answers “who is relevant to this record?” It does not copy rates between records or create supplier-specific pricing automatically.

## What this example demonstrates

* Aliases improve record discovery.
* Multiple companies can be related to one catalogue record.
* Relationships and prices remain separate concepts.
* Units, currencies, and rate basis must match before arithmetic is commercially meaningful.
* Reusable defaults should not be overwritten by unusual job conditions.

## Related guides

* [Materials](/setup-data/materials)
* [Companies](/setup-data/companies)
* [Build reusable setup data](/setup-data/build-reusable-setup-data)
* [Ask Kwantflow AI](/workflow/ask-kwantflow-ai)