At DASI, we know that in aviation, time, precision, and flexibility are critical. Whether you’re a buyer racing to resolve an AOG situation or a planner optimizing inputs for maintenance schedules, sourcing parts quickly and efficiently is vital to keeping aircraft in the air and business running smoothly.
Over the past few months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to modernize our systems and processes to better support you. We’re grateful for your patience and partnership as we’ve transitioned to our new platform since May 1st. We understand that system changes can introduce temporary friction, and we appreciate the trust you’ve shown while we build a more powerful foundation for the future.
Today, we’re excited to announce an important upgrade to one of the most essential parts of your engagement with DASI: our quoting process.
Why We’re Changing the Quoting Process
Let’s look at the challenges we set out to solve.
Since our platform change in May, our quoting system was limited in scope. When you submitted a Request for Quote (RFQ), we could only return a quote for one part number per request.
That meant if you were searching for alternatives, exploring interchangeable parts, or looking to optimize costs and lead times, you weren’t getting the full benefit of DASI’s many marketplace options.
We knew our marketplace inventory—and our customers’ needs—were far richer and more complex than a single-part approach allowed. Aviation isn’t just about matching one part number; it’s about:
- Managing complex interchangeability relationships between parts.
- Finding the right combination of price, condition, certification, lead time, and location.
- Ensuring operational continuity in high-pressure situations like AOGs.
We listened carefully to your feedback. You told us you wanted greater visibility, less friction, and faster access to the full range of inventory options available to you. That’s exactly what this new quoting process delivers.
What’s New: A Broader Marketplace View in Every Quote
✅ Expanded Visibility into Alternate and Interchangeable Part Numbers
Manufacturers often designate alternate part numbers or create interchangeability matrices that specify which parts can safely replace each other under certain conditions.
For example:
- A newer part number may supersede an older one.
- Certain PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) parts might be interchangeable with OEM parts.
- Alternative suppliers may produce equivalent parts that meet identical specs.
Previously:
- You only saw pricing and availability for the single part number you requested.
- You had to manually ask about alternates in separate RFQs, emails, or phone calls.
Now:
- DASI will proactively include all relevant alternates and interchangeable options in your quote.
- You’ll see alternative part numbers, different conditions, and options that could meet your requirements just as effectively.
Benefits to you:
- Avoid missing out on available inventory that could solve your problem faster.
- Discover parts that may offer significant cost savings or better availability.
- Make more informed procurement decisions with all options laid out transparently.
✅ Faster Sourcing Decisions and Less Administrative Work
Aircraft parts sourcing can often feel like a race against the clock. Time spent waiting for follow-up quotes on alternates can cost precious hours, disrupt schedules, and increase costs.
With our new quoting process:
- You receive a full picture of available inventory in a single response.
- You avoid back-and-forth RFQs just to explore alternates.
- You save time and reduce administrative overhead for your team.
Imagine requesting a quote for a specific part—and instantly seeing:
- New Surplus and OEM New alternatives.
- Variations in pricing based on condition (e.g., new, overhauled, serviceable).
- Different locations where parts are stocked, affecting lead times and shipping costs.
This transparency allows you to make sourcing decisions immediately, instead of waiting days for follow-up information.
✅ Better Pricing and Lead Time Optimization
In aviation, the right balance between price, condition, and lead time can make a significant impact on your operation’s bottom line. By seeing multiple options in one quote, you can:
- Compare costs across different parts and locations, including our 20+ blue-chip OEM partner inventory.
- Choose a lower-cost alternative when lead time is flexible.
- Opt for faster delivery from a closer warehouse when time is critical—even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
For example, you might find:
- A part in “overhauled” condition at a significantly lower price than new stock.
- A geographically closer warehouse that can deliver same-day, reducing AOG downtime.
- A PMA part that meets your technical specs but offers substantial cost savings.
Ultimately, our new quoting process empowers you to make the best decision for your operation’s unique requirements.
✅ Simplifying Internal Communication Across Your Teams
Our customers often include diverse stakeholders:
- Purchasing teams who need fast pricing and stock availability.
- Technical and engineering teams who evaluate interchangeability and part approvals.
- Accounting departments who manage budgets and vendor relationships.
By consolidating all inventory options into one comprehensive quote:
- Purchasing professionals have the data they need without sending multiple follow-up requests.
- Engineering can quickly assess which alternates are acceptable under regulatory and operational standards.
- Finance teams can better plan expenditures and cash flow.
This makes your entire procurement process more collaborative, efficient, and transparent.
What the New Quote Format Looks Like
While specific quote layouts may evolve, here’s what you can generally expect in the updated format:
- Part Number Quoted: Clearly labeled at the top of the quote, for easy reference.
- Alternate and Interchangeable Options: Listed below the primary part, with part numbers, condition codes, pricing, lead times, and stock locations.
- Certifications and Traceability: Information on certifications (e.g., FAA 8130, EASA Form 1) and trace documentation included for each option where applicable.
- Special Notes: Any critical remarks about interchangeability, supersession, or operational considerations.
This layout ensures that all information is easy to digest at a glance, reducing time spent deciphering complex quotes.
Our Commitment: Continuous Improvement and Customer Partnership
We view this quoting enhancement as just one step in a larger journey to transform the way our customers engage with DASI and the aviation parts market. Our ultimate goals are to:
- Simplify sourcing processes.
- Deliver complete transparency into the marketplace.
- Help you operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.
We know the aviation industry never stands still—and neither do we. Your feedback will continue to guide our improvements as we refine our systems and add new capabilities.
We’re Here to Support You
We understand that any change, even one designed to help, can raise questions or require adjustments in your workflow. If you:
- Want to learn more about how to interpret the new quote format.
- Need assistance understanding alternate part numbers or interchangeability.
- Have feedback about how we can improve further.
Please reach out to your dedicated DASI account representative or contact us directly. We’re committed to making this transition seamless and beneficial for you.
Thank You for Your Partnership
To our valued customers: thank you for being part of our journey as we modernize and expand our capabilities. Your partnership and trust inspire us to keep innovating and improving. We’re excited about how this new quoting approach will help you achieve faster, smarter, and more cost-effective procurement.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building the future of aviation parts sourcing — together.