How to process quotations?
Using the quotations processing API’s suppliers can easily keep track of new quotation requests, as well as the status of pending quotations. Both PostNL and supplier will inform the other party if they have received new information, ensuring timely execution of the various steps in the quotation process.
PostNL offers the ability to process quotations using the APIs. Using API 1.1 the supplier can retrieve all new quotations requested of them by PostNL. Quotation requests that have been retrieved previously will not be retrieved multiple times.
To ensure PostNL is aware of the quotation request being received by the supplier, the supplier can send confirmation of retrieval using API 1.2. If necessary or desirable to support a quotation with a document, this can be send to PostNL using API 1.3.
Quotation lines can be filled using API 1.4. Such lines consist of a description, the quantity of resources/items, the costs, units used and currency. Multiple quotation lines can be added to separate the various types of costs; manpower, items/resources, travel cost, etc. A change in the amount or price of a quotation line can be made by repeating a line with the former description.
The supplier is kept up-to-date on the status of their quotations using API 1.5. The following statuses can be retrieved:
- Accepted by PostNL: indicates that a PostNL employee has assessed and subsequently accepted the quotation as specified in API 1.5;
- Rejected by PostNL: indicates that a PostNL employee has assessed and subsequently rejected the quotation as specified in API 1.5.