A good brief describes the problem and the constraints, not the machine. Specifying a solution in the brief narrows the proposals to variations on your idea; describing the requirement lets builders propose approaches you had not considered — and makes the resulting quotes comparable.
7 min read · Last reviewed 28 September 2026 · All resources
A brief that opens by specifying a rotary indexing machine with six stations has already excluded every other approach. A brief that opens by describing the operation, the rate required and the quality that matters leaves room for a better answer.
If you do have a preferred approach, include it as a preference rather than a requirement, and say why. That way a builder can propose an alternative without appearing not to have read the brief.
Include the drawing, but also describe the part as it arrives: stock variation, flash, burrs, surface condition, how it is delivered to the operation and in what state.
Incoming variation drives handling design more than nominal geometry does, and it is the most common omission in briefs.
Stating that acceptance will be based on demonstrated rate and quality, under defined conditions, changes how a proposal is written. It pushes builders to be realistic about what they promise.
It also makes the proposals comparable, which is difficult when each has quoted against its own interpretation of success.
FAQ
The questions engineers and buyers ask before sending a drawing. If yours is not here, ask it directly — you will get an engineer's answer, not a brochure.
Still have a question?
Talk to Anita M.N, Managing Partner, or send the drawing and let the review answer it.
Usually yes. It prevents proposals that are technically excellent and commercially irrelevant, and it lets a builder tell you early if the requirement and the budget do not meet.
Detail about the problem is rarely too much. Detail prescribing the solution starts limiting the answers you get back.
Yes — that is the point of writing one. Proposals are only comparable if they answer the same question.
State what you know: current output, demand, and what the machine is meant to unlock. A builder can work back to a rate, and that conversation is itself useful.
Start a project
Share what you are trying to make or fix. Our engineering team reviews every enquiry and responds with the questions that matter, a feasibility view and next steps.
