PROCUREMENT GUIDE · PN / BOM
Optical Module PN/BOM RFQ Checklist
A PN or BOM is the fastest route to a precise RFQ when the identity of the required optic is already known. The goal is to preserve the original requirement, separate confirmed facts from assumptions, and make any alternative proposal explicit.
IdentityManufacturer + exact PN + description
QuantitySample, project quantity and forecast
Platform ContextSwitch / NIC / DPU and target port
Commercial TimingRequired date and delivery country
Exact PN availableQuote against the stated identity first.
Alternative acceptableKeep substitution separate from the original PN.
Platform knownAdd host and port context for validation.
Urgent projectState the required delivery date explicitly.
BOM Normalization
Twelve fields that make an optical BOM RFQ actionable
A clean BOM does not need every field populated, but it should distinguish what is confirmed from what still needs engineering or commercial validation.
01 / MANUFACTUREROriginal manufacturerRecord the brand or source specified by the customer BOM.
02 / PART NUMBERExact PNPreserve the full part number including meaningful suffixes.
03 / DESCRIPTIONOriginal line descriptionKeep the customer description for cross-checking.
04 / QUANTITYRequired quantitySeparate sample, first project batch and forecast volume.
05 / PLATFORMTarget host platformSwitch, NIC / HCA / DPU, server or appliance when known.
06 / PORTPort form factorOSFP, QSFP-DD, QSFP112 or another exact host interface.
07 / LINKRate and optical pathNative / breakout, reach, fiber and connector when known.
08 / SOFTWAREFirmware / FEC contextInclude platform requirements if validation depends on them.
09 / ALTERNATIVESubstitution policyState whether equivalents may be proposed or the PN is mandatory.
10 / VALIDATIONSample or test requirementDefine whether sample validation is required before volume.
11 / DELIVERYRequired dateState the requested ship or arrival date.
12 / LOCATIONDelivery country / siteNeeded for logistics and commercial planning.
Copy / Paste Template
Use one line per PN and keep alternatives explicit
Required BOM fields
- Manufacturer:
- Exact PN:
- Original description:
- Quantity:
- Target platform / port:
- Required date:
- Delivery country:
Validation / substitution fields
- Alternative acceptable: yes / no / discuss
- Native or breakout:
- Reach / fiber / connector:
- Firmware / FEC notes:
- Sample required before volume: yes / no
- Special labeling / diagnostics requirements:
Procurement rule: same headline rate, reach or connector does not automatically make two PNs equivalent. Any alternative must be treated as a separate technical and commercial proposal.
Line-Item Decision States
Every BOM line should end in one explicit state
The original requirement must remain immutable. Any proposed alternative is a second record with its own technical evidence and commercial position.
EXACTExact PN pathQuote the requested manufacturer PN and quantity when the identity is confirmed.
ALTERNATIVEExplicit substitute pathKeep original PN and proposed PN side by side; never overwrite the customer requirement.
ENGINEERING HOLDTechnical evidence missingHold the recommendation until platform, port, reach, FEC / firmware or validation evidence is sufficient.
SUPPLY HOLDCommercial supply unresolvedTechnical identity may be clear while allocation, MOQ, lead time or required date is not yet confirmed.
No silent substitution: same speed, form factor, reach or connector is not sufficient evidence of equivalence. A substitute must remain visibly separate until the customer and project evidence allow approval.
RFQ Line Schema
Keep requirement, evidence and commercial status in separate columns
| Source requirement | Proposed supply | Evidence / validation | Commercial status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original manufacturer + PN + customer description | Exact PN or separately identified alternative PN | Platform / port / reach / FEC / firmware / sample state | Quantity / availability / lead time / target date |
| Must not be overwritten | May be blank until qualified | PASS / HOLD / RE-TEST | CONFIRMED / HOLD |
QIANWU Workflow
From BOM line to quotation-ready decision
01NormalizePreserve source PN and identify missing fields.
02ClassifySeparate exact-match, alternative and engineering-review items.
03ValidateCheck platform context when compatibility evidence is required.
04QuoteConfirm model, quantity, current availability and delivery.
Have a PN list or BOM ready?
Send the original PN/BOM, quantity and target date. We will keep exact-match and alternative paths separate.