Electronic Request For Proposal (eRFQ) web service designed for Ryerson Tull steel customers by BIRKEY.COM

The Chicago area based BIRKEY.COM division of MIS, Inc. completed the design and production of a new web component for the Ryerson Tull steel e-Stock List in June 2001. The new eRFQ website allows users of the steel industry-standard "Ryerson Red Book" and online e-Stock List to place a request for quotation directly to a Ryerson Tull steel sales office via the web. Ryerson Tull is North America's largest steel distributor found at http://www.ryersontull.com.

The eRFQ website is an extension of the existing e-Stock List site found at http://www.ryersontull.com. A well-designed, intuitive navigational system allows simple, clear choices as new users register themselves or returning users enter the eRFQ process through the login screen.

The site securely stores a users name, address, phone, email and shipping information as a convenience to the user so that reentering this information in the future is not required. eRFQ users select the items from the Ryerson Tull e-Stock List they wish a quote on--Aluminum, Bars, Plate, etc. All categories of Ryerson Tull product and services are included.

By incorporating dynamic cascading menus, the selection interface allows users to see the path of item selections they have made. In 5 clicks or less a user can narrow their choice and select any item in the e-Stock List. Once an item is selected, the specifications of size, grade, and other details can be quickly selected from a dynamically generated table of information. Items are added to an eRFQ by clicking the "Add Item" button. Users may edit their eRFQ selections at any time during the process. Narrative text descriptions are allowed for users with special order needs or requests.

Each eRFQ may be reviewed in summary form to verify shipping and billing information, special instructions, delivery methods, as well as a final review of the selected items and details. An eRFQ tracking number is dynamically assigned to the user to assist in the Ryerson Tull sales follow-up process.

When submitted, the eRFQ is sent via email to the nearest Ryerson Tull sales office based upon the user zip code and a sales rep delivers the requested quotation within the time-frame and delivery method requested (email, fax, phone).

As the user ends their eRFQ session a log out screen allows them to navigate easily to the Ryerson Tull corporate site, e-Stock List, RyTEC or the Investor site.

The new eRFQ component is scheduled to go live in August of 2001.