- Tender Remaining Time: Complete Guide to Tracking Closing Deadlines

Introduction

The Remaining Time feature is an essential tool for effective tender management in Tenders Alerts. Through this feature, you can accurately know the time remaining until each tender closes, helping you organize your work and avoid missing deadlines.

What is the Remaining Time Feature?

The Remaining Time feature is a countdown timer that displays:

• Accurate Remaining Time: Display days, hours, and minutes remaining
• Visual Indicator: Colored progress bar showing proximity to closing date
• Live Updates: Automatic update every minute
• Color Alerts: Different colors based on urgency level
• Closing Status: Clear indication when submission period has ended

How Does Remaining Time Work?

Basic Display

The remaining time appears in the tenders table like this:

Display Components:

1. Clock Icon: Indicates the tender is still open
2. Remaining Time: Shows days, hours, and minutes
3. Progress Bar: Shows percentage of time elapsed

Warning Colors

The progress bar color changes based on remaining time:

New Tenders (Less than 30% time elapsed)

• Color: Light Green (Teal)
• Meaning: Still plenty of time
• Action: You can plan calmly

Medium Tenders (30-50% time elapsed)

• Color: Green
• Meaning: Good time to start preparing
• Action: Begin gathering information

Close Tenders (50-80% time elapsed)

• Color: Yellow
• Meaning: Time is passing, should start
• Action: Begin preparing the proposal

Urgent Tenders (80-90% time elapsed)

• Color: Orange
• Meaning: Very tight timeline
• Action: Rush to complete the proposal

Critical Tenders (More than 90% time elapsed)

• Color: Red
• Meaning: Few hours remaining
• Action: Top priority for submission

Closed Tenders

When the submission deadline has passed:

• Icon: X mark
• Text: "Submission has closed"
• Color: Gray
• Action: Cannot submit

Automatic Data Updates

Every 30 Minutes

Important Information: Tenders Alerts automatically updates tender data every 30 minutes from the Etimad platform.

This means:

• Date Updates: If the closing date is extended, updates will appear within 30 minutes
• Other Changes: Any modifications to the tender will appear automatically
• Data Accuracy: Information is always up-to-date within this timeframe

Live Counter Updates

In addition to data updates every 30 minutes:

• Countdown Timer: Updates every minute automatically
• Progress Bar: Moves gradually as time passes
• Colors: Change automatically when reaching thresholds

Following Tenders for Notifications

What is Tender Following?

You can follow any tender to receive instant notifications when any change occurs:

Follow Button:

• Empty Bell Icon: Tender not followed
• Filled Bell Icon: Tender followed

How to Follow a Tender

Steps:

1. Find the tender you want to follow
2. Click the bell icon in the tender row
3. The icon will change to a filled bell

Result: You'll receive notifications when:

• Closing Date Extended: If the last submission date is changed
• New Attachments Added: When new files are uploaded
• Specifications Updated: When terms of reference are modified
• Inquiries Added: When new Q&A are published
• Quantity Tables Added: When new BOQ becomes available
• Proposals Published: When submitted proposals are announced

Customizing Notifications

You can choose which types of changes you want to receive notifications about:

• Basic tender field changes
• New attachments
• Specification updates
• Evaluation criteria
• Inquiries and answers
• Quantity tables
• Proposals and awards

Practical Examples

Example 1: Tracking a New Tender

Goal: Follow a newly published tender

Situation:

• New tender for equipment supply
• Closing date in 30 days
• Want to track any updates

Steps:

1. Open tenders page
2. Find the new tender
3. Note the remaining time (approximately 30 days)
4. Click the follow button (bell icon)
5. Choose notification types you want

Benefit: You'll receive instant notification if the date is extended or clarifications are added.

Example 2: Tender About to Close

Goal: Complete proposal before deadline

Situation:

• Important tender
• Only two days remaining
• Progress bar is orange

Steps:

1. Open tenders list
2. Sort by remaining time (closest first)
3. Notice tenders with orange or red color
4. Prioritize tenders closest to closing

Action: Focus on completing this tender first before others.

Example 3: Discovering Date Extension

Goal: Benefit from additional time after extension

Situation:

• You were working quickly on a tender
• Date was extended by one week
• You received an extension notification

Steps:

1. Received notification: "Tender closing date has been extended"
2. Open the tender
3. Note the new remaining time
4. Reorganize your schedule

Before Extension:

After Extension:

Benefit: You can now improve the proposal instead of rushing.

Tips for Effective Use of Remaining Time

1. Sort Tenders by Priority

• Use colors as a priority guide
• Start with red and orange tenders
• Don't ignore yellow tenders

2. Follow Important Tenders

• Enable following for tenders you plan to participate in
• You'll receive instant notification of any extension
• You won't miss any important updates

3. Review Tenders Daily

• Check tenders list every morning
• Notice any color changes
• Reorganize your priorities accordingly

4. Leave Buffer Time

• Don't wait until the last minute
• Aim to complete proposal at least one day before deadline
• Calculate time needed for review and verification

5. Benefit from Automatic Updates

• Remember data updates every 30 minutes
• If you notice a change on Etimad platform, wait 30 minutes
• Data will update automatically without page refresh

6. Pay Attention to Time Zones

• All times are displayed in Saudi Arabia time (GMT+3)
• Make sure to calculate time differences if outside the Kingdom
• Counter calculates accurately based on your local time

Integration with Other Features

Remaining Time and Favorites

• You can save tenders to favorites
• Saved tenders appear with remaining time
• Easy tracking of important tenders

Remaining Time and Filters

• You can filter tenders by remaining time
• Options: "Closing today", "Closing this week", "Closing this month"
• Better work organization

Remaining Time and Reminders

• You can set custom reminders
• Example: "Remind me 3 days before closing"
• Integration with notification system

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the countdown timer 100% accurate?

Yes, the counter calculates accurately based on the closing date and time from Etimad platform. However, remember that data updates every 30 minutes.

What happens if the closing date is extended?

If the date is extended on Etimad platform, data will update in Tenders Alerts within 30 minutes. If you're following the tender, you'll receive an instant notification.

Can I stop the counter updates?

No, the counter updates automatically every minute. This ensures information is always accurate.

Why doesn't remaining time show for some tenders?

Remaining time may not show if:

• The tender is already closed
• There's no specific closing date on Etimad platform
• Data is incomplete

Are notifications instant when changes occur?

Yes, if you're following a tender and a change occurs, you'll receive an instant notification as soon as data updates (within 30 minutes of the change).

Can I follow multiple tenders at once?

Yes, you can follow any number of tenders. There's no maximum limit.

Is following available to everyone?

Following is available to active subscribers. Free users can follow a limited number of tenders.

Conclusion

The Remaining Time feature in Tenders Alerts is a powerful tool that provides:

• High Accuracy: Precise countdown in days, hours, and minutes
• Visual Alerts: Warning colors help you prioritize
• Automatic Updates: Data updates every 30 minutes from Etimad platform
• Instant Notifications: Follow tenders to get alerts when changes occur
• Better Organization: Effective time management and avoiding missed deadlines

Start using the Remaining Time feature and tender following today to improve your time management and increase your success chances in tenders!