The job costing of sheet metal service providers often relies on sets of rules and tables that are maintained in different programs and require a relatively complex procedure. In terms of streamlining internal processes, Sellycon , SPI's web-based calculator, is a real alternative. The automated processing of customer inquiries thus allows the acceptance of even small orders to become economical again. Whether Sellycon is used as an internal calculation tool or as a web store solution is decided by the operator.
SPI's calculator makes it possible to load DXF or STEP files, check them internally for manufacturability and then individually calculate a quote. The calculation is based on parameters configured by the operator.
The solution as an online calculator
The user, e.g. a customer service representative, loads the sheet metal part to be calculated as a DXF or STEP file into the configurator. He then defines the material type and sheet thickness. In the case of a STEP file, the material thickness is already included in the file. STEP files also allow display in an integrated 3D viewer. Ideally, the system recognizes the data as "error-free" during the plausibility check. Otherwise, corresponding warning messages are issued, and the data may then have to be modified.
The user can then select additional machining operations and determine the number of parts to be produced. In a few seconds, the result of the calculation is displayed. If necessary, individual parameters can be changed and a new calculation can be performed.
In addition to the calculated final price, material and production costs as well as other underlying cost parameters are displayed in clearly arranged windows. The employee can read off running times and set-up times, receives statements on waste and can calculate and display graduated prices (Fig. 1).
Numerous machine configurations are supplied with SPI's calculator. Here, among other things, it is defined which costs are included (Fig. 2).
Further parameters relevant to costing are initially set up by the supplier and can be adapted to current conditions at any time if necessary (Fig. 3).
The store customer calculates his request himself
The solution provider defines whether the calculator is generally accessible (in which case a user must first register and create an account), or whether he wants to make his services available only to certain users (defined password assignment for selected customers).
The complete process, from the request for quotation to the subsequent order approval and delivery, is then handled with the help of the web store. After logging into the store, the customer calculates his inquiry as described, but independently, without the active involvement of a customer service representative. If the calculation fits, he transfers "his" cut to the shopping cart. There, depending on the configuration, the customer can select the delivery time, because this parameter is also relevant to the price. The shopping cart stores requests and items even after logging out of the store until the order is completed or an item is deleted.
Clicking the [Checkout] button switches to the second step of the ordering process: If one or more billing and shipping addresses have been defined via the account management, they will be displayed and can be selected. The customer then decides on the shipping method and the payment method.
After the order is placed, confirmation is sent. The entire process is logged in the customer account and can be reviewed. Since processed orders are not removed by the system, repeat orders - even in different quantities - can be placed at any time. The customer copies the data and places it in the shopping cart as a new request.
SPI GmbH and SmartStore, a business partnership at eye level.
SPI Systemberatung, Programmierung, Industrieelektronik GmbH was founded in 1980, and is in the business unit SheetMetal Solutions in the state to be considered one of the most competent system houses with a focus on mechanical engineering and the sheet metal processing industry in Germany.
SPI GmbH
Kurt-Fischer-Strasse 30a
22926 Ahrensburg
Phone: +49 4102 7060
E-mail: Digital@spi.de
https://spi.com/en/sheet/sellycon-shop/
Sellycon: Your sheet metal webshop on YouTube
https://youtu.be/6E1iFRyX6-Y
https://youtu.be/n25e2ekcdx8