The verdict in three sentences
A window and door configurator turns a vague request ("a window for the kitchen") into a technically buildable order: dimensions within tolerances, compatible options, price calculated in real time. In Dublin, this type of project costs 35,000 to 90,000 EUR excl. VAT, versus 25,000 to 70,000 EUR in Nantes, over 12 to 16 weeks (2026 estimates). The main gain shows in the technical office: quoting time cut by four, and fewer errors reaching the workshop.
What a configurator must do
The heart of the project is not the interface, it is the rules engine. A tilt-and-turn uPVC window has minimum and maximum dimensions depending on the profile, glazing depends on orientation and target thermal performance, and some colours are not available on every range. Today these rules live in technicians' heads or Excel sheets; the project is about formalising them.
| Feature | Contact form | Simple configurator | Configurator with manufacturing rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data received | Free text, often incomplete | Dimensions and options | Validated dimensions and compatible options |
| Dimension checks | None | Global min and max | Tolerances per range, profile and opening |
| Price | After manual quoting | Indicative | Calculated in real time to the cent |
| PDF quote | Written by hand | No | Automatic, with visual and reference |
| Workshop handoff | Re-keyed | Re-keyed | Manufacturing sheet generated |
| Quoting time per request | 45 min | 25 to 30 min | 10 to 12 min of checking |
The configurator can target homeowners, installers or both. For installers, add account discounts, quote history and one-click conversion of an approved quote into an order.
Budget: Nantes and Dublin
| Item (2026 ballpark) | Nantes (EUR excl. VAT) | Dublin (EUR excl. VAT) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gathering and formalising manufacturing rules | 4,000 to 10,000 | 5,000 to 13,000 | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Rules engine and price calculation | 8,000 to 22,000 | 11,000 to 28,000 | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Configuration interface and dynamic visual | 6,000 to 18,000 | 8,000 to 22,000 | 3 to 4 weeks |
| PDF quotes, installer accounts and tracking | 3,000 to 9,000 | 4,000 to 12,000 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Export to the workshop or production ERP | 3,000 to 8,000 | 5,000 to 11,000 | 2 weeks |
| Testing with the technical office | 1,000 to 3,000 | 2,000 to 4,000 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Total | 25,000 to 70,000 | 35,000 to 90,000 | 12 to 16 weeks |
These are market estimates. Dublin is more expensive because of developer day rates and the Irish retrofit market, very active with SEAI energy upgrade grants, which requires showing glazing U-values. In Nantes, the RE2020 rules and renovation grants play the same role: the configurator must display the Uw coefficient and state grant eligibility.
The dynamic visual is the most variable item. A 2D diagram that changes with the options is enough in 80% of cases; a realistic 3D view can add 10,000 to 25,000 EUR.
Making the project succeed
The first phase is decisive: the manufacturer needs a technical lead available 4 to 6 hours a week while the rules are gathered. Start with the range that generates the most requests, often 60 to 70% of volume, then add the others. Also plan a path for non-standard requests: the configurator should be able to say "this configuration requires a technical review" rather than show a wrong price.
Mini case study
Pierre runs a made-to-measure window and door manufacturer in Nantes, a profile similar to many Dublin manufacturers: 1,400 quote requests a year, 60% of them incomplete, and a three-person technical office spending 45 minutes on each on average. That is 1,050 hours of quoting a year, and only 28% of quotes are signed.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Illustrative scenario: a configurator at 48,000 EUR excl. VAT. If quoting time drops to 11 minutes, the technical office saves about 790 hours a year, close to 33,000 EUR at a loaded cost of 42 EUR per hour. If the response time, cut from 5 days to a few minutes, lifts the signing rate from 28% to 32%, with an average order of 4,200 EUR, additional revenue reaches about 235,000 EUR a year. Payback falls between 12 and 18 months on time savings alone, much faster if conversion improves.
FAQ
Can an exact price be shown without a site survey?
For 70 to 85% of standard configurations, yes, with a note that the price is confirmed after measuring. Special cases (arched frames, large openings over 3 metres) go through a technical review.
Can the configurator feed production directly?
Yes, it generates a manufacturing sheet with dimensions, profiles and options, exported as CSV or via API to the production software. That connection costs 3,000 to 8,000 EUR in Nantes and 5,000 to 11,000 EUR in Dublin.
How long does a price update take?
With an admin interface, a material price change takes a few minutes. Plan to revise price grids 2 to 4 times a year depending on aluminium and uPVC costs.
Do I need a version for installers?
If 30% or more of revenue comes through installers, yes: dedicated accounts, discounts and history. The extra cost is roughly 4,000 to 9,000 EUR.
Does Kolonell build configurators?
Yes, as part of its custom web applications, from the rules engine to the PDF quote. For a manufacturer based in West Africa, Kolonell's custom app grid runs from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA (3,810 to 6,100 EUR) for a simple application and from 4,000,000 to 7,000,000 FCFA (6,100 to 10,670 EUR) for a medium one.
Let's scope your project. Share your product ranges, manufacturing rules and request volume, and we will scope the configurator and its delivery schedule. 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.
