The verdict in three sentences
At 45 minutes per quote and 3,200 quotes a year, a window manufacturer ties up more than one and a half full-time people just on pricing. A custom product configurator (manufacturing rules, pricing, PDF, shop-floor export, ERP link) costs 50,000 to 100,000 EUR in Berlin in 2026 and brings each quote down to 8 minutes. The biggest return is not time saved but conversion rate, up about 12 % because quotes go out the same day.
What a window configurator does
The managing director of a 35-employee company in Berlin sells aluminium windows, sliding doors, entrance doors and conservatories. Every quote requires checking minimum and maximum sizes per range, glazing compatibility, sash weight, RAL colour, options (roller shutter, motorisation, barrier-free threshold), energy values under the GEG and installation. A configurator encodes these rules once. Here are the modules and their 2026 cost, order of magnitude for a Berlin specialist agency.
| Module | Function | Estimated cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranges and options catalogue | 6 ranges, 40 options, 210 RAL colours | 7,000 to 12,000 EUR | 2 weeks |
| Manufacturing rules engine | Sizes, weights, compatibility, Uw values, alerts | 14,000 to 26,000 EUR | 4 weeks |
| Pricing engine | Profiles per metre, glass per m², labour, margin, discounts | 8,000 to 15,000 EUR | 3 weeks |
| PDF output and e-signature | Branded quote, dimensioned drawing, signature | 5,000 to 9,000 EUR | 2 weeks |
| ERP integration | Orders, cutting lists, glass orders via API | 12,000 to 30,000 EUR | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Dealer portal (option) | Partner installers with net prices | 4,000 to 8,000 EUR | 2 weeks |
A complete project ships in 4 to 5 months in Berlin. Running costs (hosting, maintenance, supplier price updates) range from 500 to 1,200 EUR a month. A French-speaking nearshore team can deliver the same scope for roughly 30 to 40 % less.
Custom configurator or off-the-shelf software
Industry quoting software exists, but licences and rigidity weigh on an SME with its own ranges. Comparison over 5 years for 6 users.
| Option | Initial cost | Annual cost | 5-year total | Fit with in-house rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improved Excel workbook | 3,000 EUR | 0 EUR | 3,000 EUR | Low, frequent errors |
| Window industry software | 12,000 to 25,000 EUR | 9,000 to 18,000 EUR | 57,000 to 115,000 EUR | Medium |
| Custom configurator, nearshore | 35,000 to 60,000 EUR | 4,000 to 7,000 EUR | 55,000 to 95,000 EUR | Full |
| Custom configurator, Berlin agency | 50,000 to 100,000 EUR | 6,000 to 14,000 EUR | 80,000 to 170,000 EUR | Full |
| International CPQ vendor | 40,000 to 90,000 EUR | 20,000 to 40,000 EUR | 140,000 to 290,000 EUR | High but costly |
Custom becomes relevant once a company passes about 1,500 quotes a year or sells its own ranges. It also opens a sales channel: a simplified configurator on the website generates qualified leads with dimensions already entered.
Mini case study
Thomas, managing director of an aluminium window manufacturer in Berlin, issues 3,200 quotes a year at 45 minutes, 2,400 hours. With the configurator, a quote takes 8 minutes, 427 hours: 1,973 hours freed, valued at 48 EUR loaded cost, about 95,000 EUR a year. His 25 % conversion rate (800 orders averaging 7,500 EUR) rises by 12 %, 96 extra orders. At 30 % gross margin that is about 216,000 EUR of extra margin. For a 78,000 EUR project with 10,000 EUR a year of maintenance, payback comes in under 4 months, even if the sales gain is halved.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
Must the configurator connect to our ERP?
It is recommended but not mandatory at launch. A structured CSV export to the ERP or cutting optimiser costs 3,000 to 6,000 EUR, a two-way API 12,000 to 30,000 EUR depending on the ERP.
How do we handle aluminium price swings?
Profile and glass prices live in admin-editable tables with a global coefficient. A supplier price update takes 15 minutes instead of rebuilding every spreadsheet.
Can sales reps use it on a tablet at the customer's home?
Yes, a responsive web app works on tablets, with optional offline mode for 4,000 to 7,000 EUR. Industry feedback suggests the quote is signed on the spot in 30 to 40 % of visits.
How long does it take to capture our manufacturing rules?
Allow 2 to 3 three-hour workshops with the engineering office. Rules are then tested against 50 historical quotes to confirm a price gap under 1 %.
Can we offer a public configurator on our website?
Yes, a simplified version shows a price range and collects dimensions. It usually adds 6,000 to 10,000 EUR to the project.
Let's scope your project. Send us 10 typical quotes and your price lists: we price your configurator between 50,000 and 100,000 EUR, or less with a nearshore team, on a 4 to 5 month plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
