You can use the Rate Finder to request new rates when the required rates are not available.
After you request new rates, the Sourcing Bot is activated and sends the request details to an approver in your organization or team. The approver can decline or approve your request, or update the suppliers.
After the request is approved, you receive a notification confirming the approval. The Sourcing Bot launches a spot bid or mini-tender event and goes to market, contacting the relevant suppliers for rates for the requested items. After the lanes are awarded, the Sourcing Bot automatically updates your rate card with the new rates.
To request new rates, complete the following steps:
- In Fulfillment Optimizer, click Rate Finder.
- Select the Origin location.
- In the Origin field, enter the city name, UNLOCODE or IATA code for the location, port, or airport. A list of available locations updates as you type.
- Select the location from the list.
- Select the Destination location.
- In the Destination field, enter the city name, UNLOCODE or IATA code for the location, port, or airport. A list of available locations updates as you type.
- Select the location from the list.
- Click Search.
- In the Select rate card area, select the required rate card.
- Optional: If there are alternative lanes for the items requested, a list of alternative lanes is displayed below the Select rates area. Click Show rates to view the available rates for the lane.
- In the Select rates area, select the checkboxes of the items you want to request rates for, and click Request new rates.
- Complete the Request new rates form, and click Request rates.
- Review the summary of the new rate request, and click Confirm request.
A pre-approval summary of the rate request is displayed. The rate request is sent to an approver for review.