Efficient and accurate quoting with iQuoting - a smarter alternative to Excel and intuition

Lantek unveils its groundbreaking iQuoting software, designed specifically for sheet metal fabrication. This Software as a Service (SaaS) solution has become a remarkable success story, revolutionizing the quotation process for Muhammed Yilmaz, the owner of Mehmet Yilmaz GmbH, a metalworking company based in Heilbronn. Traditionally, quotations posed significant challenges for the company, yielding minimal profits and demanding considerable time investment with uncertain outcomes. However, since November 2022, Yilmaz has experienced a remarkable transformation, effortlessly generating quotes using Lantek’s iQuoting calculation software, available at www.lantek.com. Powered by Lantek Expert, an independent CAD-CAM nesting software, iQuoting leverages real costs and machine data for accurate calculations. Moreover, the software operates seamlessly in the cloud, requiring only an annual subscription fee for access. Having successfully transitioned from beta to a fully functional tool, iQuoting is now open for bookings.

Despite being a relatively small company with five employees, Mehmet Yilmaz GmbH offers comprehensive services, ranging from individual part production to complete assemblies. Notably, the company has even built custom swimming pools upon request. Yilmaz, the owner, actively engages in the quoting process, sitting at the machine and preparing quotations himself. Previously, he relied on Excel spreadsheets and his wealth of experience to accomplish this task.

In 2020, as Yilmaz contemplated expanding his machine park to enhance contract manufacturing capabilities, Lantek’s reputation as a provider of exceptional software solutions caught his attention. Renowned for its ability to control over 1,400 machine models worldwide and liberate companies from manufacturer-specific limitations, Lantek stood out among competitors. Intrigued by the potential benefits, Yilmaz reached out to Matthias Rolf, Lantek’s Area Sales Manager. During their interaction, Rolf introduced Yilmaz to Lantek Expert’s nesting software, which offered automated programming for CNC cutting machines. Impressed by its capabilities, Yilmaz recognized that Lantek was the only viable choice, even though the laser cutting machines they intended to purchase from Nukon were compatible with alternative software options. Since 2017, Nukon has been Lantek’s OEM partner. As a result, Yilmaz now operates two laser cutting machines, the Nukon NS PRO 625 for sheet metal and the Nukon NKT 160 for tubes and profiles, both seamlessly controlled by Lantek Expert. These machines’ notable feature is their swivel head, which enables precise bevel cutting for welding seam preparation, resulting in significant time and cost savings across small and large parts alike.

"I was immediately convinced."

During October 2022, as the two machines made their way to Germany, Yilmaz, accompanied by his brother and an employee, visited the Lantek booth at Euroblech. Yilmaz vividly remembers his purpose for the visit, stating, "I wanted Mr. Rolf to enlighten them about the software and had a specific query regarding time and cost accounting." Rolf not only introduced Yilmaz’s guests to Lantek Expert but also unveiled the latest addition to their portfolio: Lantek iQuoting. Yilmaz eagerly recalls his instant conviction, stating, "It was precisely what I had been seeking: software that comprehends machine running times, machining durations, and incorporates current material prices in quotation calculations. What previously consumed 20 to 30 minutes and several Excel spreadsheets now takes a mere two to three minutes—and above all, it’s remarkably user-friendly. Even those who seldom engage in quoting grasped it effortlessly." In November, when the machines arrived, Jens Schamberger, Rolf’s colleague responsible for leading Lantek’s beta tester program, arrived at Yilmaz’s location in Heilbronn. Schamberger provided comprehensive training on utilizing Lantek Expert, connected the cloud-based iQuoting software to the local installation, and introduced Yilmaz and his employees to its seamless operation. Yilmaz joyfully states, "Everything unfolded faster and better than anticipated."

According to Jens Schamberger, "iQuoting is so straightforward that even individuals lacking sheet metal expertise and relying solely on intuition can effortlessly generate quotations." He further explains, "Upon receiving a customer inquiry, the CAD file is imported into iQuoting. The software automatically extracts material costs, machine cutting speeds, and technology data from Lantek Expert. The customer can predefine their rates, profit margins, and potentially offer discounts. By selecting the calculation method and considering additional component-related costs, they swiftly obtain the actual material and production expenses while preparing the quotation." For Yilmaz, the subsequent phase holds great significance, as he emphasizes, "Following customer acceptance, iQuoting and Lantek Expert seamlessly facilitate nesting for the quotation, determine the required materials, and calculate the feasible delivery date. At the touch of a button, the quotation promptly transforms into a work order, ready for immediate production—encompassing quantities, materials, and all other necessary steps—eliminating the need for redundant data entry. This signifies true digitalization!"

The convenience of iQuoting extends beyond the need for additional hardware and local computing power.

Lantek offers iQuoting as a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS), allowing customers to "rent" the software for an annual fee and access it securely in the cloud. Lantek ensures maximum data security through advanced encryption technologies, communication isolation, and mandatory authentication. This eliminates the requirement for on-site hardware, computing power, installation expertise, and maintenance personnel. Lantek’s cloud infrastructure, known as "iQuoting" seamlessly connects the local installation and database to the cloud, leveraging external computing power for efficient calculations that can be stored locally. Jens Schamberger explains, "There is a growing trend of SaaS modules, and in the future, working with them will become commonplace."

For Muhammed Yilmaz, the ability to access iQuoting anytime and anywhere is of great importance as a family business owner. He can conveniently work with quotes even after business hours, providing flexibility and responsiveness to customer inquiries.

The combination of Lantek iQuoting and Lantek Expert serves as a comprehensive solution for companies that lack Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Matthias Rolf explains, "Even for companies already utilizing a complete software suite, Lantek simplifies the quoting process by enabling data integration across various operations, including quoting, work preparation, manufacturing, production tracking, invoicing, and materials management. It offers a seamless software cycle from A to Z." This reality is not a distant dream for Mehmet Yilmaz GmbH either. Muhammed Yilmaz envisions future growth requiring additional software support, with an ERP system being the next logical step. Lantek emerges as a top contender due to the availability of comprehensive data within their system. Furthermore, Lantek empowers businesses with the freedom to design machines without being tied to specific manufacturers or types.