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Compare vendor quotations with Grok AI and export to Google Sheets & email

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Compare vendor quotations with Grok AI and export to Google Sheets & email preview
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Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

This workflow automates the process of receiving vendor quotations, extracting and summarizing their contents using AI , and logging the results for comparison. The system listens for new file uplo...

Best for

  • Document Extraction automation workflows
  • AI Summarization automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.webhook, n8n-nodes-base.function, n8n-nodes-base.httprequest, n8n-nodes-base.googlesheets, n8n-nodes-base.wait, n8n-nodes-base.emailsend, n8n-nodes-base.stickynote

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by Oneclick AI Squad.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Compare vendor quotations with Grok AI and export to Google Sheets & email
Workflow name
Compare vendor quotations with Grok AI and export to Google Sheets & email

This workflow automates the process of receiving vendor quotations, extracting and summarizing their contents using AI, and logging the results for comparison. The system listens for new file uploads via webhook, processes each file using a summarization engine, and generates a well-formatted summary table that is stored in Google Sheets and sent via email to stakeholders.

Good to Know

  • Saves hours of manual work by auto-comparing multiple vendor quotations.
  • Uses AI summarization to intelligently identify highlights and differences in each quote.
  • Supports structured summaries for quick stakeholder decision-making.
  • Maintains a Google Sheets log for historical comparison and auditing.
  • Email notifications ensure stakeholders receive real-time updates.

How It Works

1. Upload Quotes

Webhook trigger that listens for uploaded vendor quotation files (PDF, Excel, or Docs).

2. Extract File Data

Parses the uploaded file and extracts relevant quote data (price, items, vendor name, etc.).

3. AI Summarization

Sends extracted data to an AI API (Grok) to generate a human-readable comparison summary.

4. Wait For Reply

Pauses the workflow until the AI response is fully received.

5. Format Summary

Formats the AI-generated content into a structured summary (e.g., table format or comparison bullets).

6. Log to Google Sheets

Appends the formatted summary to a Google Sheet for tracking and reference.

7. Send Email

Emails the summary to predefined recipients (procurement, finance, etc.).

Data Sources

  • Uploaded Vendor Quotation Files – Typically in PDF, DOCX, or Excel format containing vendor proposals.
  • AI API (Grok) – Processes the quote data and returns a summarized comparison.

How to Use

  1. Import the workflow into your n8n instance (self-hosted or cloud).
  2. Configure the Webhook URL to receive file uploads.
  3. Set up file extraction logic in the “Extract File Data” node to match your file format.
  4. Configure your Grok API credentials in the “AI Summarization” node.
  5. Connect your Google Sheets account to the “Log to Google Sheets” node.
  6. Customize the recipient email address in the “Send Email” node.
  7. Test with sample quotation files to validate the entire flow.

Requirements

  • Self-hosted n8n instance (if using community nodes).
  • API key for Grok or another AI summarization service.
  • Google account access to log summary data to Sheets.
  • Mail credentials for sending automated emails (SMTP setup).
  • File parsing logic (for PDFs, DOCX, Excel) depending on your vendor formats.

Customizing This Workflow

  • Modify the Extract File Data node to support additional quote formats or fields.
  • Enhance AI Summarization with custom prompts or models for industry-specific terms.
  • Format output into a PDF summary or comparison chart if needed.
  • Add Slack/Teams integration for real-time team alerts.
  • Apply filters to compare only specific vendors or line items.

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - Upload Quotes

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.webhook - webhook
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - Extract File Data

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.function - function
Config choices
Version 1

Block 3 - AI Summarization

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 1

Block 4 - Format Summary

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.function - function
Config choices
Version 1

Block 5 - Log to Google Sheets

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets - googleSheets
Config choices
Version 1

Block 6 - Wait For Reply

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.wait - wait
Config choices
Version 1.1

Block 7 - Send email

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.emailSend - emailSend
Config choices
Version 2.1

Block 8 - Sticky Note

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 9 - Sticky Note1

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

3. Summary Table

Workflow Compare vendor quotations with Grok AI and export to Google Sheets & email
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 9
Categories Document Extraction, AI Summarization
Author Oneclick AI Squad
Published 30 Jul 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/6688/6688.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Compare vendor quotations with Grok AI and export to Google Sheets & email do?

This workflow automates the process of receiving vendor quotations, extracting and summarizing their contents using AI , and logging the results for comparison. The system listens for new file uplo...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Document Extraction, AI Summarization use case.