See how product changes affect cost
Packaging or specification changes make the old cost sheet unreliable.
For a brand comparing design, packaging, supplier, or quantity changes.
What good looks like.
A versioned comparison shows the cost change, assumptions, unknowns, and the commercial decision it supports.
- Starts when
- A quote or specification change affects the expected unit cost.
- Accountable owner
- Product lead with finance reviewer
Where AI could help.
AI could extract quote line items for review and explain which assumptions drive a scenario. Arithmetic should use checked spreadsheet formulas; people approve cost definitions.
How the work could move.
A suggested process to adapt to your team. Each handoff needs a clear owner and a visible check.
Freeze the baseline
Product lead
Save the current bill of materials, quantity tier, packaging spec, and cost-model version.
Ready when: The proposed change has a clear comparison version.
Normalize the inputs
Sourcing analyst
Record quoted currency, unit basis, minimum order, freight assumptions, waste, and quote expiry in an input sheet.
Ready when: Missing values are marked unknown and conversions have a dated basis.
Compare scenarios
Finance reviewer
Calculate current and proposed costs at agreed quantities, including identified fees and returns assumptions.
Ready when: A sample calculation traces to source inputs and major sensitivities are shown.
Record the decision
Commercial owner
Add the selected option, remaining unknowns, approval limits, and review date to the cost note.
Ready when: Sourcing knows what it may negotiate and which assumptions would reopen the decision.
Explore the setup, checks, and exceptions
Start with your tools.
Use your existing costing workbook with separate input, calculation, and scenario tabs. Link quotes and specification versions rather than copying unsupported totals.
When things go wrong.
- An expired quote is not a confirmed current cost.
- Compare identical units and currency before attributing a difference to design.
- Keep missing duties or freight separate from zero; finance determines the appropriate treatment.
A useful first step.
Rebuild one proposed change with source links for its three largest cost inputs.
What to measure
Track missing cost inputs, estimate-to-actual differences when available, and time to an approved comparison.
Want this working with your team and tools?
Build it yourself, adapt what you already have, or work with us. We can help you choose where to start and handle the technical build.