This project aimed to develop a wood cutting configurator that enables customers to configure individual wood cuts via a user-friendly web application. In close cooperation with the specialist department, specific processes and requirements were transferred into a comprehensive solution that significantly improves the efficiency of ordering processes. With a direct connection to SAP for real-time price and stock queries and the automatic generation of machine data for HOMAG woodworking machines, the entire ordering process was reduced from several days to just a few minutes. The configurator now covers over 95% of order requirements and makes a significant contribution to increasing efficiency and automation.
Functionalities in detail
- Process analysis and collaboration with the specialist department:
- The development of the configurator was based on a detailed analysis of internal processes and close coordination with the specialist department to ensure that all relevant requirements of the wood cutting and production processes were mapped.
- The aim was to process approx. 80% of customer orders via the configurator - in fact, a coverage of over 95% was achieved.
- Fully automated ordering process:
- The web application allows the desired timber configuration to be entered directly by the customer via a special input screen, making the configuration process simple and intuitive for end users.
- Real-time price and stock queries are handled directly via an SAP interface, providing customers with immediate price information and availability.
- SAP integration and automatic data transfer:
- All order data, including specific timber cutting configurations, is automatically transferred to SAP, ensuring fast and reliable data processing and transfer.
- In addition, PDFs are generated for control, delivery and production data to support the internal production and logistics teams in the implementation of orders.
- Generation of machine data for HOMAG woodworking machines:
- The configurator automatically generates machine data for HOMAG woodworking machines so that orders can flow directly into production without manual intervention.
- Front end as a single-page application (SPA):
- The frontend of the configurator was developed as a SPA using Vue.js to provide a responsive, dynamic user experience that seamlessly guides customers through the process during configuration.
- Backend development and tailoring optimization with Laravel:
- The backend was realized with Laravel, which provides a flexible and robust base for business logic and data processing.
- A special algorithm for cutting optimization was implemented, which ensures maximum material efficiency and is comparable in performance to commercial cutting optimization programs. This algorithm is executed directly in the Laravel backend and helps to minimize material costs and waste.