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

# Inquiry to shipment

> Move from buyer inquiry to reviewed quote, order packet, and shipment promise control.

This workflow starts when a buyer asks for availability, pricing, quote readiness, partial shipment, substitution, or the next shipment window. The goal is not just a faster reply; it is a reply that protects margin, promise dates, account terms, and source traceability.

## What Ubik checks for you

* Buyer email, thread history, and unresolved account context
* Inventory, availability, grade, count, and substitution options
* COGS, freight, duty reserve, free-time exposure, and margin guardrails
* Past quotes, account terms, payment terms, and service exceptions
* Transit windows, ETA movement, and downstream promise-date impact
* Trade documents attached to the thread or required before release

## How to work through it

<div className="ubik-steps">
  <div className="ubik-step"><span>01 · Capture demand</span> Ubik detects the inquiry and attaches the source thread, account, and requested product context.</div>
  <div className="ubik-step"><span>02 · Build the decision view</span> Inventory, COGS, margin, account state, transit constraints, and prior commitments are pulled together.</div>
  <div className="ubik-step"><span>03 · Draft the path</span> Ubik prepares the buyer reply, quote packet, approval request, or internal exception path.</div>
  <div className="ubik-step"><span>04 · Review authority</span> An operator checks source context, margin exposure, and approval scope before moving the action.</div>
  <div className="ubik-step"><span>05 · Commit or route</span> The approved action moves to the buyer, ERP handoff, finance reviewer, logistics owner, or task queue.</div>
</div>

## Operator review checklist

* Is the requested product, quantity, grade, count, and shipment timing clear?
* Are inventory, ETA, free-time, and promise dates current?
* Does the quote protect account margin after freight, duty reserve, and service exposure?
* Does the buyer reply need finance, logistics, or management approval?
* Is the ERP or CRM writeback mapped to the right account, SKU, and owner?

## Common exceptions

| Exception                  | What to do                                                                                 |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Partial shipment requested | Check account terms, logistics constraints, and revenue impact before approving the reply. |
| ETA shifted                | Review downstream promise dates and customer escalation tier before sending the update.    |
| Margin variance            | Send to finance review or edit the quote before release.                                   |
| Missing attachment         | Ask the buyer or assign the item to the owner who has the document.                        |