> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chemcloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Find New Suppliers

> Discover new suppliers and alternative materials through the ChemCloud network.

# Find New Suppliers

Sometimes you need a new supplier — whether it's for a new formulation, to reduce single-source risk, or to find a better price. ChemCloud connects you to a network of suppliers who can provide the materials you need.

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## How It Works

When you create a sourcing request, you can choose **R\&D Formulation** instead of a standard RFQ. This tells suppliers you're looking for new products or alternatives, not just a price on something you already buy.

### R\&D Formulation Request Fields

| Field                        | Description                                          |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Approximate Annual Usage** | Helps suppliers understand the opportunity size      |
| **Unit of Measure**          | KG, litres, etc.                                     |
| **Preferred Pack Size**      | Your ideal packaging                                 |
| **Material Type**            | New Product Development or Alternative Supplier      |
| **Existing Specification**   | Upload a spec you want suppliers to match (optional) |
| **Context**                  | Any additional information to help suppliers respond |

***

## Selecting Suppliers

You can send your request to:

* **Your existing approved suppliers** — they may carry products you don't currently buy from them
* **New suppliers from the ChemCloud network** — browse suppliers who manufacture or distribute the type of material you need

If you've linked your products to the ChemCloud product database, the system can suggest relevant suppliers automatically.

***

## When Suppliers Respond

Suppliers may come back with products you haven't seen before. To add these:

1. Click **Add Quote** on your request
2. You'll be prompted to **Add Supplier Product** — this opens in a new tab where you enter the supplier's product details
3. Return to your request and the new product will be available

From here you can:

* **Request documents** — sends an email to the supplier asking for specs, SDS, or certificates
* **Request a sample** — sends a sample request and creates a pending approved material so you can track the evaluation

***

## From Discovery to Approval

Finding a new supplier is the start of the process. The typical flow is:

1. **Send an R\&D Formulation request** to potential suppliers
2. **Review responses** and request documents or samples
3. **Evaluate the material** — the sample request creates a pending approved material
4. **Approve** — move the approved material through your approval workflow
5. **Order** — once approved, the supplier and product are available for future RFQs