Most projects and organizations require outside support to achieve their objectives. They often lack information on the requirements, prices, and technology involved.
在这种情况下，他们需要有关其要求的信息才能进一步进行。他们通过信息请求（RFI）获取此信息。
他们与潜在卖家共享可用信息，以通过RFI向他们提供必要的信息。
RFI仅出于信息目的，除非双方签署，否则任何一方都必须遵守它们。
让我们详细讨论信息请求。
什么是信息请求（RFI）？
You use RFI when you know the requirements but lack critical information. An RFI is a Request for Information document where buyers ask the seller for their response related to their product or service at no obligation.
RFI定义了买方需要的要求，产品规格或资格。买家可以强调他们的挑战以及他们想要的具有成本效益和高效的解决方案。
Through RFI responses, strategic options, lower-cost alternatives, and cost reduction opportunities may be identified, and this can be used in提案请求（RFP）andRequest for Quotation (RFQ). Usually, RFI is followed by RFP or RFQ.
If RFI is not used during the initial stage of the project, you may end up writing one later, causing delays in project completion.
如何创建RFI文档
RFI是双向通信。买卖双方都可以使用它来获取所需的信息。没有特定的信息撰写信息请求。这取决于您的要求。
Big organizations have more streamlined processes and have more formal approaches, including a formal RFI template.
该模板可以具有以下元素：
一般信息：在这里，您可以提供有关组织，业务和联系地址的基本信息。这可以帮助卖家了解您的业务，他们可以以最佳方式提供所需的信息。
要求：If you have any pre-qualification requirements, credential requirements, or technical restrictions, you can mention them. It helps prevent receiving unnecessary queries.
请求的信息：This is the key section. Here, you will provide details on the requirements, and the supplier will review them and prepare their response.
尽可能清楚和保持简短。你可以provide the deadline and the format of the requested information, including supporting documents, brochures, etc.
At a minimum, an RFI can include:
- 公司的基本背景和联系方式
- 请求其背景信息和业务领域等。
- 条款和条件
- Price information
- 有关产品和服务的信息
- 产品或特定服务问题
- Past similar experiences
- References
- 投标人的日期和预期回应
- To whom it was submitted
- 提交的人
- 可以连接支撑附件
RFI Example
以下是RFI的示例。
RFI的常见错误
- Buyers sometimes compare one seller with another and mix up communication, hurting relations.
- 很多时候，买家无法提供有关需求的精确详细信息。
- 卖方可以通过不彻底查看信息并提交答复来犯错误，因为他们专注于获得业务而不是合适的业务。
- 卖方有时由于不明确的解释而做出错误的假设。
RFI的好处
RFI offers immense benefits for an organization. You get a wealth of information for your requirements and contact details of potential vendors with no obligation at all.
如果您需要他们的服务，则可以联系这些供应商；它节省了时间和精力。
RFI在建立连接和长期关系的平台方面效果很好。
RFI vs Budgetary Quote
许多organizations使用“预算报价”一词，而不是RFI来获取购买，硬件，备件，消耗品，维修等的定价和交付详细信息。
他们获得了RFQ批准，并根据收到的价格估算浮动招标。招标结束后，他们将收到的价格与预算报价相匹配并授予合同。
Budgetary quotes validate the prices and offer received during the tender stage.
Conclusion
An RFI helps get information without obligation to either the buyer or seller. After receiving the required information, the RFI process closes, and you move on to the next process. This helps buyers create RFP or RFQ and then choose a partner.
您是否参与组织中的信息流程请求？如果是，请通过评论部分分享您的经验。
