For MRO procurement managers, the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process is the heartbeat of the supply chain. It's a daily, essential function. But for too many teams, this critical task is trapped in the past—an arbitrary, manual workflow managed through a patchwork of emails, spreadsheets, and phone calls. While this process may seem "free," it carries staggering hidden costs that silently drain resources, delay repairs, and put entire operations at risk.

A recent McKinsey report on aerospace procurement highlighted this very issue, noting that fragmented processes and a lack of digital tools are significant hurdles for the industry. Let's break down the real, quantifiable costs of sticking to the old way.

• Drafting & Distribution: A procurement manager spends hours drafting emails, attaching spec sheets, and manually sending them to a list of potential suppliers.
• Chasing & Clarifying: Days are spent following up with suppliers who haven't responded and answering repetitive questions one by one.
• Consolidating & Comparing: As quotes trickle in—in different formats like PDFs, Word documents, and simple email replies—the team spends more hours manually transferring this data into a master spreadsheet for comparison.