We’ve introduced a new Analysis feature to the Reverse Auction → Compare Tab. It becomes visible only after the auction closes and allows users to view three analytical charts for each part:
1. Bid Timeline
Shows how supplier bids changed over time. Each bid is plotted as a dot (Price vs Time), with tooltips and supplier-level filtering.
2. Final Ranking
Bar chart showing each supplier’s final submitted bid price, highlighting the lowest bidder.
3. Savings vs Baseline
Displays annual cost savings using (Current Price − Quoted Price) × EAU, highlighting highest and lowest savings.
Key Benefits for Suppliers:
Enables quick visual comparison of supplier performance.
Provides clear insights into bidding behaviour, competitiveness, and cost advantages.
Helps buyers make more informed decisions using post-auction analytics.
Custom Quote Template Support in RFQ
We have introduced a major enhancement to the RFQ module that gives buyers and suppliers more flexibility in how quotes are submitted and managed. This update streamlines onboarding, supports custom formats, and ensures seamless handling of attached quote files within the RFQ workflow.
Feature Details
During the final step of RFQ creation, buyers can now choose between:
MESH Default Template (existing behaviour), or
Upload Your Own Quote Template
Buyers can attach their custom quote format, which suppliers can download, fill, and upload back as their official quote submission.
Key Benefits
Simplifies supplier onboarding
Supports customer-specific quote formats
Centralized quote handling and history tracking
Cleaner award workflow without dependency on structured pricing
Enhanced transparency for both buyer and suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1. What new analytics were added to Reverse Auctions in the September 2025 release?
Ans. Three post-auction charts were added to the Reverse Auction, Compare tab. They include Bid Timeline, which shows price versus time with tooltips and supplier filters. The second chart is Final Ranking, a bar chart of final bids that highlights the lowest bidder. Finally, there is Savings vs Baseline, which visualizes annual cost savings using EAU.
Q 2. When do the Reverse Auction Analysis Charts become available?
Ans. The charts show up only after the auction closes and the final bids are recorded. This way, they represent the complete auction results for each part.
Q 3. How is “Savings vs Baseline” calculated?
Ans. Savings vs Baseline = (Current Price − Quoted Price) × EAU, where EAU means Estimated Annual Usage. The chart highlights which suppliers deliver the highest and lowest annual cost impact.
Q 4. Can I filter or drill into the Bid Timeline chart by supplier?
Ans. Yes, the Bid Timeline includes supplier-level filtering and interactive tooltips. You can isolate a single supplier's bids or compare multiple suppliers over time.
Q 5. How do the Final Ranking and Bid Timeline charts help with supplier selection?
Ans. Final Ranking quickly displays the lowest and relative bid for each supplier. Bid Timeline shows bidding behavior, including late drops, steady declines, and price jumps. This information helps you evaluate competitiveness and supplier strategy beyond just one price point.
Q 6. Are the analysis charts exportable for reporting or audit trails?
Ans. Yes, charts can be exported as image/CSV (price/time points and summary rows) to include in sourcing reports or to attach to RFQ/award documentation.
Q 7. What is “Custom Quote Template Support” in RFQ and why does it matter?
Ans. Buyers can now upload their own quote template during RFQ creation (instead of using the MESH default). Suppliers download, complete, and re-upload that exact file as their official submission, simplifying onboarding and matching internal pricing formats.
Q 8. Does using a custom quote template affect automated quote parsing or comparison?
Ans. If you upload a structured template that matches your internal cost breakdown, parsing/auto-population may be limited — but the RFQ dashboard still captures submissions, attachments, and timestamps. MESH retains history so manual or assisted comparison remains straightforward.
Q 9. Can buyers still use the MESH default template?
Ans. Yes, buyers can choose either the MESH Default Template or upload their own quote template during the final RFQ creation step.
Q 10. How does the custom template improve award workflows?
Ans. Custom templates keep the buyer's expected format in one place, cut down on back-and-forth for clarifications, and create clearer award documentation since supplier submissions follow the buyer's required structure.
Q 11. Will suppliers need to create accounts to submit quotes with the custom template?
Ans. No, suppliers who already use MESH can submit as usual. If you combine this with login-free quote submission, if enabled, invited suppliers can submit through secure links without logging in while still uploading the buyer’s template.
Q 12. Are there audit trails for custom template downloads/uploads?
Ans. Yes, every download and upload is recorded in the RFQ timeline along with the supplier's identity, the timestamp, and the attachment name for compliance and traceability.
Q 13. Who should I contact if I need help building a custom quote template or using the analysis charts?
Ans. Contact your MESH admin or Support team through your regular channels. The Release Notes page and Resource Library have short guides and screenshots to help you get started.
Q 14. Do these features require any extra permissions or plan upgrades?
Ans. Core users can view analysis charts and attach custom templates if their user role allows RFQ or auction creation. Some admin controls, such as enabling login-free quotes, may be limited to account admins. Check your role settings or contact your MESH administrator.
