Predictika · Carpet tile installation quotes

An AI sales agent's carpet tile installation quote, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares a quote for carpet tile with its backing, installation system, primer and materials. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the rules in the manufacturer's public installation instructions and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: Interface carpet tile on CQuestGB, GlasBac, Graphlex, CQuestBio, CushionBac and ReadyBac backings: installation system, primer, slab tests, jobsite and material quantities. See everything this validator covers

This validator models installation quotes for these six backings, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Backing, system and primer — each backing is approved only with the installation systems and primers its installation instructions list: TacTiles connectors, XL Brands Adhesive 2000 Plus or HM99, with or without XL Brands 9511 or RH95 primer.
  • Concrete slab tests — the slab's in-situ relative humidity and surface pH are compared with the limit for that backing, system and primer; HM99 also needs an impedance reading of 4.0 percent or less; a slab that was never tested is allowed only where the instructions waive testing and only with HM99 or TacTiles.
  • Subfloor and use — no stairs, no groundwater or hydrostatic pressure, no TacTiles on ramps, no adhesive over sheet vinyl, primers only over porous concrete and never below grade; a person is asked to confirm TacTiles under heavy rolling loads, unprimed wood or natural stone under adhesive, and gypsum underlayment below 3,500 psi.
  • Jobsite and quantities — 65 to 85 degrees F, air humidity within the range for the backing, at least 48 hours of acclimation; the connector count or adhesive gallons on the quote is compared with the guide's average rates, and primer gallons are computed.

Any quote for these six backings that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (the public installation instructions carry none, so this validator produces no price build-up or line-item quote), other Interface backings and products, other adhesives, and installation steps not stated as limits.

The AI sales agentBuilds the installation quote from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
A backing that is approved only with certain systems and primersOnly with workarounds
A product rule per backing, system and primer combination, and each limit differs by combination, so the table of rules grows with every backing added.		The backing, system and primer are in one request and the combination is looked up as a whole.
Slab limits that change with the system chosenOnly with care
The humidity and pH limits are thresholds on free-entry fields that depend on three other selections, so each combination needs its own rule.		The limit for the chosen combination is computed and every finding names the value and the limit.
A testing waiver that depends on the backing and the systemOnly with workarounds
The rule spans a product line, a measurement entered elsewhere and a yes or no on whether tests were run, so it needs a cross-line rule that is easy to miss.		Every choice is in one request, so the waiver and its exceptions are checked together.
A stated count that must match the area and laying methodOnly with care
A stated quantity is a free-entry field; a rule can compare it with a computed one, but someone has to write and maintain the rate tables.		The stated figure travels with the quote and is compared with the computed figure on every call.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the quote is saved or a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The slab surface pH is 9.5; this backing, system and primer allows pH 7.0 to 9.0.
2The slab surface pH is 6.9; this backing, system and primer allows pH 7.0 to 9.0.
3The slab reads 85 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 80 percent.
4The slab reads 90 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 85 percent.
5The slab reads 98 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 97 percent.
6The slab surface pH is 11.1; this backing, system and primer allows pH 7.0 to 11.0.
7The slab reads 91 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 90 percent.
8HM99 requires both the in-situ RH test (ASTM F2170) and the impedance test (ASTM F2659), and no impedance reading is on the order.
9The impedance reading is 4.5 percent; HM99 allows up to 4.0 percent.
10The slab reads 96 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 95 percent.
11The slab surface pH is 7.5; this backing, system and primer allows pH 8.0 to 12.0.
12This backing, installation system and primer is not a combination listed in the Interface installation instructions for the backing.
13The laying method is not listed for this tile format; 50 cm square tiles use monolithic, quarter-turn, non-directional, ashlar or brick, and 50 cm x 1 m and 25 cm x 1 m planks use ashlar or herringbone.
14The order states 1,500 TacTiles connectors; the average connector counts in the installation guide give 2,000 for this area and laying method.
15The order states 12 gallons of adhesive; the full-spread rate gives 13 gallons for this area.
16Testing is waived for this slab only when the installation uses XL Brands HM99 High Moisture Adhesive or TacTiles; Adhesive 2000 Plus needs moisture and pH test results.
17Concrete must be tested for moisture (in-situ RH, ASTM F2170) and pH with the Interface protocol before installing, and no test results are on the order.
18Carpet tile must not be installed with adhesive over sheet vinyl; remove the sheet vinyl, or install with TacTiles over secure sheet vinyl.
19The instructions say wood and porous natural-material surfaces should be primed before adhesive is applied, and no priming is on the order; a person should confirm.
20Interface recommends gypsum-based underlayment of 3,500 psi or higher; this one is rated 3,000 psi, so a person should confirm.
21XL Brands 9,511 and RH95 are moisture and alkalinity primers for porous concrete; they are not used over this subfloor.
22The Interface installation instructions exclude use on stairs from the warranty, so a warranted installation cannot be quoted for stairs.
23TacTiles connectors are not to be used on sloped surfaces such as ramps and inclines.
24TacTiles are not recommended where heavy rolling loads cross the floor, so a person should confirm the installation system.
25Concrete with groundwater intrusion or hydrostatic pressure is expressly excluded from every approved installation system.
26XL Brands 9,511 and RH95 must not be used on below-grade subfloors.
27The jobsite is held at 60 degrees F; it must be between 65 and 85 degrees F.
28The jobsite is held at 90 degrees F; it must be between 65 and 85 degrees F.
29The jobsite air humidity is 70 percent; for this backing it must be 45 to 65 percent.
30The jobsite air humidity is 62 percent; for this backing it must be 40 to 60 percent.
31Tiles and jobsite must acclimate for at least 48 hours; the plan allows 24 hours.
32The slab reads 92 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 85 percent.
33The slab surface pH is 9.8; this backing, system and primer allows pH 7.0 to 9.0.
34Tiles and jobsite must acclimate for at least 48 hours; the plan allows 12 hours.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. High-moisture slab: A quote for adhesive on a slab that reads 88 percent humidity and pH 9.5

    
The agent's request. Please quote GlasBac backing, 50 cm square tiles, laid ashlar with XL Brands Adhesive 2000 Plus and no primer, on 800 sq yd of on-grade concrete floor. The slab tested at 88 percent relative humidity and pH 9.5. The jobsite is held at 72 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 21 gallons of adhesive. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Slab moisture above the limit. The slab reads 88 percent relative humidity; this backing, system and primer allows up to 80 percent.
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  • Slab pH outside the limit. The slab surface pH is 9.5; this backing, system and primer allows pH 7.0 to 9.0.
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2. High-moisture slab: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote GlasBac backing, 50 cm square tiles, laid ashlar with TacTiles connectors and XL Brands 9511 primer, on 800 sq yd of on-grade concrete floor. The slab tested at 88 percent relative humidity and pH 9.5. The jobsite is held at 72 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 4800 TacTiles connectors. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Material takeoff. The guide averages give 4,800 TacTiles connectors for 800 sq yd at this laying method.
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3. Untested slab: A quote for adhesive on a CQuestBio floor that was never tested

    
The agent's request. Please quote CQuestBio backing, 50 cm square tiles, laid monolithic with XL Brands Adhesive 2000 Plus and no primer, on 600 sq yd of above-grade concrete floor. The slab has not been moisture or pH tested. The jobsite is held at 72 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 25 gallons of adhesive. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Untested slab needs HM99 or TacTiles. Testing is waived for this slab only when the installation uses XL Brands HM99 High Moisture Adhesive or TacTiles; Adhesive 2000 Plus needs moisture and pH test results.
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4. Untested slab: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote CQuestBio backing, 50 cm square tiles, laid monolithic with XL Brands HM99 High Moisture Adhesive and no primer, on 600 sq yd of above-grade concrete floor. The slab has not been moisture or pH tested. The jobsite is held at 72 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 25 gallons of adhesive. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Material takeoff. The full-spread rate gives 25 gallons of adhesive for 600 sq yd.
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5. Cart corridor: A skinny plank TacTiles order for a corridor with a cold jobsite and a short connector count

    
The agent's request. Please quote GlasBac backing, 25 cm skinny plank tiles, laid ashlar with TacTiles connectors and no primer, on 400 sq yd of on-grade concrete floor, with carts and heavy rolling loads crossing it. The slab tested at 75 percent relative humidity and pH 8.0. The jobsite is held at 62 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 1600 TacTiles connectors. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Jobsite temperature outside 65 to 85 F. The jobsite is held at 62 degrees F; it must be between 65 and 85 degrees F.
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  • Stated TacTiles count is wrong. The order states 1,600 TacTiles connectors; the average connector counts in the installation guide give 2,800 for this area and laying method.
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  • TacTiles under heavy rolling loads. TacTiles are not recommended where heavy rolling loads cross the floor, so a person should confirm the installation system.
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6. Cart corridor: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote GlasBac backing, 25 cm skinny plank tiles, laid ashlar with TacTiles connectors and no primer, on 400 sq yd of on-grade concrete floor, with carts and heavy rolling loads crossing it. The slab tested at 75 percent relative humidity and pH 8.0. The jobsite is held at 70 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 2800 TacTiles connectors. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • TacTiles under heavy rolling loads. TacTiles are not recommended where heavy rolling loads cross the floor, so a person should confirm the installation system.
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  • Material takeoff. The guide averages give 2,800 TacTiles connectors for 400 sq yd at this laying method.
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7. Cart corridor: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote GlasBac backing, 25 cm skinny plank tiles, laid ashlar with XL Brands Adhesive 2000 Plus and no primer, on 400 sq yd of on-grade concrete floor, with carts and heavy rolling loads crossing it. The slab tested at 75 percent relative humidity and pH 8.0. The jobsite is held at 70 degrees F and 55 percent humidity with 48 hours of acclimation. The quote states 11 gallons of adhesive. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Material takeoff. The full-spread rate gives 11 gallons of adhesive for 400 sq yd.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares a quote for carpet tile with its backing, installation system, primer and materials. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the rules in the manufacturer's public installation instructions and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote GlasBac backing, 25 cm skinny plank tiles, laid ashlar with TacTiles connectors and no primer, on 400 sq yd of on-grade concrete floor. The slab tested at 75 percent relative humidity and pH 8.0. The rest of the request is on screen. The quote states 1600 TacTiles connectors.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with two findings and one approval, all in one answer. The jobsite is held at 62 degrees F; it must be between 65 and 85 degrees F. The order states 1,600 TacTiles connectors; the average connector counts in the installation guide give 2,800 for this area and laying method.
    6. 
      
  6. The validator returned two blocking findings and one approval in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for a stated count that must match the area and laying method, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the jobsite temperature to 70 F and the Stated TacTiles connectors to 2800.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. Not blocked, but held for a person.
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  12. The two blocking findings are cleared; one approval remains for a person: TacTiles under heavy rolling loads.
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  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the installation system to XL Brands Adhesive 2000 Plus. It sets the stated adhesive to 11 gallons. It removes the Stated TacTiles connectors.
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  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. The earlier finding is cleared, and the validator's figure matches the quote.
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  18. Three problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    19.