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

# Quickstart

> Get your first bid into BuildVision and see what it finds.

A tour of the shortest path from an empty account to a project worth quoting.
Each step links to the guide that covers it properly.

## Before you start

You need a BuildVision account. If you don't have one, email
[support@buildvision.io](mailto:support@buildvision.io).

Your company profile should already list the manufacturers you represent and
the areas you cover, because those decide which work reaches you. Your
BuildVision contact sets this up with you.

## 1. Get a bid in

Three ways in. Pick one, you don't need the others.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Connect an inbox" icon="inbox" href="/integrations/email/connect-inbox">
    **Best if you can.** BuildVision watches the mailbox and picks up bids on
    its own.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Forward a bid" icon="share" href="/integrations/email/forwarding">
    Send one invitation to `bids@buildvision.io` and watch what happens.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upload a document" icon="file-arrow-up">
    Drag a PDF straight in. Plans, specs, schedules, and addenda all work.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Uploading is the fastest way to try BuildVision on something specific, since it
touches no mail settings. Forwarding one real invitation shows you the whole
path a bid actually takes.

<Note>
  A large drawing set takes a while to read. You don't have to wait on the
  page, and the project appears in your list when it's ready.
</Note>

## 2. See what BuildVision found

Open the project. BuildVision has read the drawings, specifications, and
schedules, pulled out the mechanical and electrical equipment, and grouped it
into procurement packages by trade, system, and specification section.

This is the part worth looking at closely on your first project, because it's
the work you'd otherwise be doing by hand.

## 3. Quote it

BuildVision matches each package to suppliers on equipment type, geography, and
coverage, drafts the requests for quotation, and levels the quotes that come
back so you can compare them side by side.

## Then make it routine

One project is a demo. The setup below is what turns it into how your desk
runs.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect your email properly" icon="inbox" href="/integrations/email">
    Move from forwarding one bid to every bid arriving on its own.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Save portal credentials" icon="key" href="/integrations/email/saved-credentials">
    So BuildVision can open documents behind a SharePoint or Drive login.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect your CRM" icon="plug" href="/integrations/crm">
    Push opportunities into Dynamics instead of retyping them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Talk to us" icon="envelope" href="mailto:support@buildvision.io">
    Anything that isn't covered here.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  If more than one person handles bids, set a coordinator under **Settings →
  Coordination**. Coordinators receive BuildVision's outgoing mail, including
  notifications when files are ready and warnings when a document fails to
  upload. Solo reps can make themselves the default.
</Tip>