FixfastReducing order complexities with a bespoke product calculator
In the construction and engineering sectors, precision is everything. Contractors, architects and engineers rely on accurate product selection, wind-load calculations and indicative quotations to progress early-stage project design. Yet across the industry, many manufacturers still depend on manual processes and back-and-forth communication with technical teams to generate these estimates. As a result, quoting is slow, inconsistent, and difficult to scale.
The Challenge
Fixfast’s quoting process previously relied on a combination of web forms, email submissions and extensive offline spreadsheets. Customers often supplied incomplete information, leading to repeated back-and-forth with the technical team. Generating an indicative estimate, which typically took around 30 minutes and was vulnerable to human error.
With around 40 variables involved in a full structural calculation, and 360 configurations stored in their spreadsheet (with capacity to scale into the thousands), Fixfast needed a system capable of standardising complexity while making calculations accessible to customers at early design stages.
The new solution needed to:
Streamline and automate the quotation process
Standardise complex technical calculations
Reduce dependency on internal staff
Improve accuracy and response times
Provide customers with a clear, guided, self-service tool
Pull in product and price data directly from Magento
Work seamlessly on desktop and mobile, including on-site usage
Generate professional “Basis of Quotation” and “Budget Quotation” documents
Unified Approach
We set out to build a modern, scalable application that replicated Fixfast’s calculation logic with absolute accuracy - something no off-the-shelf tool could achieve. Our approach focused on five principles:
A bespoke, ground-up solution
With no existing tools capable of handling the complexity, we built a custom façade-calculation engine and quoting interface from scratch. Utilising best-in-class frameworks such as Next.js and Tailwind to build the core UI.Deep integration with multiple systems
Adobe Commerce for authentication, customer data and personalised pricing
Neon for managing secondary calculation and reference data
Hasura to expose all data via GraphQL
Dlubal API to source wind-speed data based on project location
Mobile-friendly Progressive Web App
The entire tool was built with PWA support, enabling users to “install” it on mobile devices without needing an app store presence - ideal for contractors working on site.Guided, intelligent data collection
A multi-step form ensures users supply all required information, eliminating the major issue with the previous workflow.Flexible, modular architecture
The system is built to evolve - new calculation rules, product lines or façade systems can be added without heavy redevelopment.
Unified Solution
Guided multi-step input form
Users log in via Magento and complete a guided form that dynamically adapts based on previous answers. Data validation ensures all key variables are supplied correctly, solving the issue of incomplete submissions.
Automated basis of quotation
The engine processes core variables - including wind speed, building height, cladding configuration and substrate - returning a structured Basis of Quotation that mirrors Fixfast’s engineering format.
Dynamic budget quotation
The system identifies the correct façade components, calculates required quantities and applies customer-specific pricing from Magento. The output is a fully itemised Budget Quotation.
Professional PDF export
Users can download a complete PDF pack containing inputs, calculations, system recommendations and pricing. In Phase 2, these PDFs were integrated into customer accounts and Fixfast’s admin system for long-term record-keeping.
Device-agnostic PWA
The React/Next.js app behaves like a native tool, offering fast performance, offline-friendly behaviour, and mobile installation via PWA technology.
Impact
The Fixfast product calculator marks a major leap forward for digital transformation in the construction and engineering sector.
Time intensive calculations are now automated in seconds
The technical team is freed from repetitive early-stage estimates
Customers gain instant self-service capability
Quotes are more consistent, accurate and scalable
The PWA experience supports on-site usage, giving contractors tools exactly when they need them
The backend architecture enables Fixfast to expand calculation rules and product logic without heavy redevelopment
Fixfast now has a powerful digital differentiator - an intelligent, scalable calculation engine that modernises a previously manual process, improves customer experience and positions the brand as a leader in technical innovation.
