Quote Approval Workflow
- 1Estimator uploads the PDF quote to the portal
- 2Client receives an SMS notification with a secure link
- 3Digital signature triggers the creation of a shop work order
Systems for CNC Shops
Precision Operations for Custom Machining and CNC Shops
Machine shops bring in revenue through high-precision chip-making and custom fabrication for industrial clients. Profit often leaks when engineers spend hours manually quoting complex parts or when lead times slip due to fragmented communication between the floor and the front office.
B2B & Industrial
- Secure Print Intake
- RFQ Status Automation
- Document Vault
- Production Notifications
- Net-Terms Reminders
Also for: CNC Shops
How the business actually works
How the work flows, start to finish.
- 01
RFQ Intake
A prospect submits technical drawings and specifications through a secure portal or email.
- 02
Technical Review
The shop foreman or estimator evaluates material availability and machine time requirements.
- 03
Quoting
A formal quote is generated including setups, tooling, and batch pricing.
- 04
Job Launch
Upon approval, the job is scheduled and work orders are pushed to the production floor.
- 05
Production
Raw stock is processed through milling, turning, or grinding operations.
- 06
Quality Control
Parts are inspected against tolerances and material certifications are gathered.
- 07
Fulfillment
Completed orders are packed, shipped, and tracking details are sent to the client.
- 08
Invoicing
Final billing is processed and net-terms follow-ups are automated.
Where it leaks
Common problems for machine shops.
01
Quoting Bottlenecks
Complex RFQs often sit in an inbox for days while the estimator manages the floor. This delay allows competitors to win the contract before you have even calculated machine time.
02
Fragmented Documentation
Blueprints, material certs, and revision histories are frequently scattered across various folders and paper binders. This lack of organization leads to costly rework if the wrong revision is machined.
03
Opaque Lead Times
Clients frequently call for status updates because they have no visibility into the production queue. These interruptions pull staff away from spindles and inspection benches.
04
Material Delays
Projects stall when specialty alloys or tooling are not ordered in time for the scheduled run. Without proactive tracking, machine uptime suffers while waiting for supply chain arrivals.
05
Inconsistent Follow-up
Bids that were never formally declined often go unchased, leaving potential revenue on the table. Consistent touchpoints are required to move procurement officers toward a purchase order.
What LATTICE can build
Systems built around how you work.
Secure Print Intake
A dedicated digital portal for clients to upload CAD files and prints, automatically notifying the estimating team.
RFQ Status Automation
Sends automated updates to the client when a quote is in review, helping manage expectations without manual emails.
Document Vault
Centralizes all material certifications and inspection reports in a client-facing portal for easy compliance retrieval.
Production Notifications
Automated SMS or email alerts when a job moves from the CNC department to finishing or quality control.
Net-Terms Reminders
Automatically follows up on outstanding industrial invoices to ensure cash flow remains steady for material buys.
Reactivation Sequences
Identifies clients who have not placed a PO in six months and sends tailored capabilities updates to win back work.
AI Receptionist
Handles incoming calls during shop floor noise or after hours, capturing lead details and job numbers for the front office.
Example systems
What it looks like in practice.
Revision Control Alert
- 1Client uploads a revised print file
- 2System flags the current job number and pauses the status
- 3Foreman receives an urgent notification to verify the setup before continuing
Post-Delivery Survey
- 1Carrier tracking marks the shipment as delivered
- 2Client is invited to review the quality and lead time performance
- 3Positive feedback is routed to a public profile for industrial social proof
Have a different problem?
Tell us what's slowing the business down. LATTICE can build around the way your business operates.
Questions from machine shops
How do we handle large file uploads for 3D models?
The system utilizes secure, high-capacity portals specifically designed for large engineering files. This eliminates the file size restrictions commonly found in standard email servers.
Can we track specific jobs by purchase order number?
Yes, the database allows every interaction and document to be tagged with a specific PO or job number. This makes it easy for your team to pull up a full history during a client inquiry.
Does this replace our current CAD or CAM software?
No, this system acts as the communication and administrative layer that sits alongside your technical tools. It handles the client-facing and operational aspects that engineering software typically ignores.
How do we manage material certifications for aerospace or medical work?
The system allows for specific document categories to be attached to each job. You can set requirements that a job cannot be marked as complete until the necessary certifications are uploaded.
What happens when we are on the floor and can't answer the phone?
The AI receptionist captures the caller's intent, whether they are checking on a lead time or requesting a new quote. You receive a text summary so you can respond during a tool change or break.