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Written by Armaan Shah · Updated February 10, 2026

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What is Vendor Management?

Vendor Management is a feature in Acelab’s Material Hub that helps architecture and design firms work directly with the correct manufacturer representatives during product research and specification. When a firm adds you through Vendor Management, you become their primary vendor contact inside the Material Hub. This connects you directly to their project teams and allows all communication (RFIs, sample requests, and quote inquiries) to happen in one organized and shared workspace. Instead of relying on emails, spreadsheets, or outdated contact lists, firms and vendors collaborate through a single, always-current system.

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Why Vendor Management matters to you as a manufacturer?

Vendor Management makes it easier for you to respond, stay visible, and win specifications.

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Key benefits

  • Be the official rep for the firm: You’re listed as the trusted, go-to contact when AEC professionals evaluate and specify products in your category.
  • Get project-ready inquiries: Receive RFIs, sample requests, and quote requests directly from active project teams. No guessing which opportunity is real.
  • See demand in real time: Understand when AEC professionals are viewing your products and preparing specifications, so you can respond at the right moment.
  • Eliminate cold prospecting: Firms add you because they already work with you. Vendor Management formalizes that relationship digitally.
  • Increase your reach: Once your profile is verified, it becomes searchable to over 15,000 professionals using the Material Hub.

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How Does Vendor Management work?

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Step 1: Accept the invitation

You’ll receive an email when a firm adds you to their Vendor Management directory. Click the link in the email invitation to join the firm’s workspace on the Material Hub.

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Step 2: Set up your profile and confirm your details

Once you accept the invitation, you’ll be prompted to set up your profile. Add or update information as needed and verify that your (or a teammate’s) contact information is accurate. This ensure inquiries reach the right person.

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Step 3: Add your product portfolio (optional, requires upgrade)

The more complete your product portfolio, the more visible you are when architects search for solutions in your category. To control your product portfolio to maximize visibility, you’ll need to upgrade to our growth plans. Schedule time with our partnerships team to discuss how we can set this up for you.

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Step 4: Start responding to inquiries

Once set up, firms will contact you through Material Hub. You’ll get an email notification when they send an RFI or inquiry through Material Hub. Their requests (e.g. RFIs, sample requests, quote requests) will be tied to specific projects for better context. We recommend acting quickly. Fast response times build trust and keep you top-of-mind for future projects.

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Best practices for engaging with firms

✓ Keep your profile current (phone, email, territory coverage) ✓ Upload case studies and spec sheets (architects want proof points) ✓ Respond to inquiries within 24 hours (especially for active projects) ✓ Use the platform for documentation (keeps everything searchable and archived)
If you’re on our Starter plan (free), you’ll have access to the firms that have added you to their directory. To expand your reach across the 15,000+ firms on the Material Hub, explore our Growth plans.