Define the cost, delivery plan and scope together.
Projects differ in scope. Let’s define the requirement and set out the engineering, manufacturing and delivery conditions in the proposal.
A short initial requirement discussion is free. Detailed feasibility, engineering and development work is quoted against an agreed scope.
What determines the price?
A headline price cannot compare machines with different requirements. Compare the same function, output target, control system and delivery scope.
Product and process
The handled product, material compatibility, contact parts and operating environment.
Dimensions and output target
Product dimensions, available space, output target and operating time.
Automation and control
The operator’s role, sensors, motion, PLC/HMI and line interfaces.
Engineering and verification
Development work, prototype stages, test conditions and documentation.
How is delivery scheduled?
Lead time is defined for the project once the technical scope, approval plan and critical component availability are understood. Share your target date early so we can assess a workable schedule.
Scope and technical inputs
Define the function, dimensions, output target, interfaces and acceptance criteria.
Design, approval and procurement
Plan the design reviews, customer approvals and component procurement.
Build, checks and handover
Include assembly, agreed tests and delivery responsibilities in the quoted schedule.
What will the proposal specify?
The written proposal states the included and excluded items for the project. Design, prototyping and final manufacturing can also be quoted as separate stages.
| Item | How is the scope defined? |
|---|---|
| Mechanical design and engineering | Define the work, review points and files to be delivered. |
| Prototype, manufacture and assembly | Agree quantities, fabricated parts, purchased components and assembly tasks. |
| Automation and software | Define controls, electrical work, software and interfaces with the customer and specialist partners. |
| Testing and acceptance | Agree test conditions, acceptance criteria, review arrangements and records. |
| Documentation and drawings | Agree document lists, manufacturing drawing delivery, permitted use and rights in the contract. |
| Shipping, installation and commissioning | State the delivery location and whether site work and travel expenses are included. |
| Spare parts and continued support | Spare parts are quoted separately. Extended warranty, maintenance and site support are agreed separately. |
| Payments, revisions and commercial terms | Specify payment stages, included revisions, currency and tax treatment in the proposal. |
What if the scope changes?
Assess the cost, schedule and technical effects of the requested change, then agree the additional work and revised schedule before proceeding.
Who handles each part of the project?
The proposal identifies QDM’s work package, the specialist work and the customer’s inputs. Mechanical engineering, manufacture and controls can have different responsible teams.
| Party | Responsibilities agreed for the project |
|---|---|
| QDM | Mechanical design, technical coordination, procurement follow-up and coordination of the agreed manufacturing and assembly package. |
| Project partners / specialist teams | Part manufacture, electrical work, controls, software and other specialist tasks within their agreed work packages. The supplier and interfaces are defined for the project. |
| Customer / customer’s team | Requirements, product or component data, samples, design decisions and site information. Customer-supplied components and work by the customer’s technical team are identified in the proposal. |
A coordinated turnkey scope can include work by several teams. It does not mean that every manufacturing or specialist operation is performed in one QDM workshop.
Agree delivery, acceptance and support before manufacture.
The following points are agreed for the actual equipment and destination. An international project does not automatically include transport, import procedures or on-site service.
Acceptance and tests
Agree the test product or samples, operating conditions, output targets, measurement method and acceptance records. Define pre-shipment checks and any remote or on-site review separately.
Packing, shipping and international delivery
Specify the delivery location and point of handover, packing, transport and insurance scope. Identify which party handles shipping, export documents, customs and import arrangements, and whether related costs are included.
Site readiness and unloading
Agree access, available space, power, utilities and connections. Identify unloading, lifting and any site work or support to be provided by each party before attendance is arranged.
Installation, commissioning and training
Specify the site, work to be done, attendance duration, operator information and each party’s tasks. State whether travel, accommodation and other site expenses are included or quoted separately.
Documents and handover
Agree operating and maintenance information, test records, document languages and the delivery list. Manufacturing drawings and permitted use follow the contract terms.
Warranty, spare parts and service
QDM-supplied custom equipment has the agreed standard one-year machine warranty from commissioning, within its contractual coverage. Purchased components follow the relevant manufacturer’s terms; standard sourced machines follow the agreed selling supplier’s warranty and service terms. Define remote support, site service, travel costs and spare parts separately in the offer or service agreement.
These details are enough to start.
An NDA can be agreed before detailed technical files are exchanged. Leave unknown fields open for discussion.
The email option opens your email application.
- The problem to solve or the operation you need.
- Product, materials, known dimensions and any output target.
- New development, revision, prototype or manufacturing needs.
- Planned quantity, delivery location and target schedule.
- Non-confidential images or drawings you are entitled to share.