Published · 2026-10-12
Two offers can list the same number of purlins while including different connection items. Before comparing totals, connect the member schedule to the approved connection drawings and identify what each supplier includes. This is a quotation clarification guide, not a structural design or approval to substitute components.
Start with the specified system
Manufacturer documents distinguish connection systems [1] [2]. Ask the project designer to identify the required arrangement and drawing revision. Record the member marks and connection references together. Do not choose a system because one quotation contains fewer parts.
Give every accessory a quotation line
List designer-specified sleeves, cleats, fasteners, bridging, restraints and other connection items separately where applicable. For each line, record the drawing reference, quantity, material requirements and whether it is included, excluded or awaiting clarification. A reference to “purlins supplied” does not resolve these boundaries.
Compare scope before comparing totals
Keep the same drawing revision and quantity basis in both offers. Separate member supply, loose accessories, factory work, site work and transport. Ask the supplier to explain substitutions or exclusions in writing. An omitted price must remain unresolved; do not silently enter zero or assume the item is supplied by someone else.
Resolve responsibility before ordering
Identify who approves the member and connection drawings, checks the project design and supplies missing items. Record the approval status and quotation revision. Confirm packing identification and delivery responsibilities with the supplier. This worksheet supplies no sleeve length, lap length, bolt arrangement, capacity or acceptable replacement.
Illustrative comparison — not actual customer offers
Offer A names members and fasteners. Offer B names members and separate connection accessories, but does not state whether fasteners are included. Their totals are not yet comparable. Send both the same approved drawing and ask each supplier to return an itemised inclusion list. Leave the missing fastener scope open until confirmed; the example establishes no price or technically equivalent system.
Members
- Offer A
- Members are named.
- Offer B
- Members are named.
- Clarify before comparing
- Match member marks, quantities and the same approved drawing revision.
Connection accessories
- Offer A
- Not itemised in this example.
- Offer B
- Separate accessories are named.
- Clarify before comparing
- Request types, drawing references and quantities; a general accessory line does not define the complete package.
Fasteners
- Offer A
- Fasteners are named; details are not given here.
- Offer B
- Inclusion is not stated.
- Clarify before comparing
- Confirm inclusion, quantities and the fastener specification required by the approved design.
Work and transport
- Offer A
- Boundaries are not stated.
- Offer B
- Boundaries are not stated.
- Clarify before comparing
- Separate factory work, site work, packing and transport. Record responsibility for each unresolved line.
Connection-package clarification record
- Project and destination
- Designer and approval responsibility
- Drawing references and revisions
- Member marks and quantities
- Specified system and connection references
- Accessory description, material requirements and quantity for each line
- Included, excluded or awaiting clarification for each item
- Factory work and site work boundaries
- Proposed changes and approval status
- Packing, delivery and unloading scope
- Open questions, supplier response and quotation revision
Sources and scope
Procurement guide. Sources are manufacturer-specific reference material, not new industry events or evidence of ZY supply, affiliation, dimensions or performance. The comparison workflow and fictional A/B example are editorial. Use the project designer’s requirements and the actual offered configuration. Sources checked on 12 October 2026.