Operations & Research SupportFictional demonstration. All data is invented.
Compare three fictional quotes for the same packaging order. Demo Supplier C totals $1,397.40 before tax, with one lead time still missing.
Nine quote lines: three equivalent packaging items from each of three fictional suppliers. Specifications and quantities are approved within this example only.
Before and after
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Nine separate quote lines | Three like-for-like comparison totals |
| Unit prices, freight and fees in separate fields | A $1,453.00; B $1,470.60; C $1,397.40 |
| C box lead time left blank | One explicit follow-up before selection |
Approved demo order
| Item | Specification | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft shipping box | 12 x 9 x 4 in; kraft corrugated; 32 ECT | 1000 | each |
| Clear packing tape | 48 mm x 60 m; clear BOPP; 45 micron | 120 | roll |
| Kraft void-fill paper | 500 mm x 250 m; kraft; 70 gsm | 20 | roll |
Comparison totals (USD, excluding tax)
| Supplier | Items | Freight | Fees | Total | Above lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo Supplier A | 1348.00 | 85.00 | 20.00 | 1453.00 | 55.60 |
| Demo Supplier B | 1275.60 | 160.00 | 35.00 | 1470.60 | 73.20 |
| Demo Supplier C | 1352.40 | 45.00 | 0.00 | 1397.40 | 0.00 |
1. What changed
- Use the same approved item specification, quantity, unit and USD currency across all quotes.
- Multiply quantity by unit price, then add quote-level freight and other fees once.
- Freight and fees appear only on each supplier's box row in the source. Zero on the other item rows prevents double-counting.
- Retain a blank lead time as missing. Do not substitute a delivery promise.
2. Calculations and checks
- Item subtotal = sum of quantity x unit price.
- Comparison total = item subtotal + freight + other fees. Tax is excluded.
- Difference from lowest = supplier comparison total - $1,397.40.
- Demo Supplier A: $1,348.00 + $85.00 + $20.00 = $1,453.00.
- Demo Supplier B: $1,275.60 + $160.00 + $35.00 = $1,470.60.
- Demo Supplier C: $1,352.40 + $45.00 + $0.00 = $1,397.40.
- A is $55.60 above C. B is $73.20 above C. B is $17.60 above A.
- All nine item rows match the approved demo specification and quantity.
- All totals recomputed in integer cents and independently checked with decimal arithmetic.
- Exactly one lead-time field is blank: Demo Supplier C / DEMO-BOX.
3. Decisions still needed
- Request the missing box lead time from Demo Supplier C.
- Check required delivery dates, quality, terms and final tax before choosing a supplier.
Limits of this example
- Prices are invented, static and not current supplier offers.
- The lowest comparison cost is not final supplier selection. No quality or service claim has been tested.
- Tax, payment terms and purchase approval are outside this example.