Introduction.

To assess the price for metal galvanization, one needs to know the volume, surface area, the coating to be applied selected from countless permitted combinations, and other markers of materials as well as their metrics to make a dependable estimate.

These calculations are elaborate and to manually compute them knowing that only about 10% of requests for them convert to a paying customer is time- and thus cost-intensive without a proportionate payoff.

Startup X (a startup in stealth mode) envisioned to have this problem solved for them using a fully automated web-based configurator to allow potential customers to create a quick but nonetheless reliable cost assessment themselves.

Client's Requirements.

The desired configurator and the website it’s built in had to give back clients meaningful information based on on-site user-input.

It was essential that the platform met all client use cases to allow the business full automation of it’s customer requests.

Engaging Mibeso.

After a brainstorm on possible implementations of the solution, clearly translating the idea to a concrete offer sealed Mibeso as the partner for this project.

Work.

Following a structured workflow greatly improves results, whilst reducing time used by the builder, and also by the client. This is the flow we used.

• First, a workshop was held to dive deeper in the problem being solved (interesting theory on this: Double Diamond Design Thinking), it’s surrounding structures and their context, lending special emphasis to translating a business issue alongside customer insights like unforeseen user requirements into technical ones to be solved and implemented.
• A possible solution was then visualized. This is a powerful step: “Everybody knows where the train goes”.
• After agreeing, the next step is translating the business problem, customer insights and hidden requirements into technical requirements. E.g. if you want to have customers who can log in to your platform, you need the ability to administer these customers.
• Wireframes were made in Affinity and Figma to visualize the end product and to conduct a so called gap analysis. During creation of a customer journey the idea to allow for CAD file upload (a file type with technical information about the components to be galvanized clients who apply typically have) arose to simplify the configurator immensely. It had the benefit of almost removing data entry by the end customer. Customers only have to enter the desired treatments and save redundant information about their component (e.g. dimensions). In addition, customers can make fewer errors during input and subsequent process loops are eliminated.
• Then Bubble as a low-code no-code plattform was decided on for the website build as it besides all the other advantages of a low-code plattform allowed for integration of a CAD-capable service written in Python and 3D-specific libraries to read the CAD files.
• Biweekly meetings ensured the project stayed on track throughout multiple iterations on subsections of the solution, before developing a final comprehensive one.

Concrete Results.

Startup X found their expectations more than met:

• Iterative Development
  The constant feedback loop led through numerous iterations ensured that the final solution met 100% of the client’s customer use cases we pre-defined together.
• Accurate Cost Estimations
  Despite rigorous requisites on the calculations for the configurator, it reliably rendered customer’s an estimate, streamlining their decision-making process.
• Time-Saving Automation
  The configurator massively reduced time spent on manual back-office tasks, enabling the growing startup to focus on aspects of their operations.
• Potential Full Automation
  The foundation for a fully-automated workflow had been lain, affording real prospects of maximum efficiency and then scalability for the entire business model.

Client Satisfaction.

Startup X was satisfied with the end results, driven by the strong process:

• Smooth Execution
  From unclear ideation to full-blown realization, the development was fast and saved time.
• Empowering Dialogues
  Leveraging insights in it’s history of assisting startups in similar positions, Startup X further shaped and perfected it’s initial idea according to firsthand insights on work from past successes by it’s partner.
• Strong Partnership
  Through outstanding cooperation on this project, a business relationship has been fostered which translated into yet better results.

Client Testimonial.

Startup X founder recalls:

“Mibeso exceeded my expectations, it was an outstanding cooperation”

“We knew the RFP process had to be automated, but we did not know how that would look like. They helped not only by making the solution clear, but they built it at a fast pace.”

Conclusion.

Startup X set itself up for expanding it’s growth and success as a startup in the market for metal galvanization as menial and manual back office processes were cut with a clean digital solution, and end customers have a fast way to assess costs for their galvanisation process.