Core Concepts
Understanding Templates, Submissions, Quotes, and more
Core Concepts
WinFactor is built around a few key concepts that work together to streamline your quoting process. This guide explains each concept in detail.
Templates
A template is a reusable product configurator that defines what customers can configure. Think of it as a blueprint for a product category.
What Templates Define
- Dimension constraints: Minimum and maximum width/height in millimeters
- Section types: The components that make up the product (windows, doors, panels)
- Layout structure: How sections are arranged (rows and columns)
- Selectable options: Features customers can choose (glass types, locks, handles)
- Pricing rules: How prices are calculated based on configuration
Example
A "Sliding Door System" template might allow:
- Width: 1500mm to 4000mm
- Height: 2000mm to 2800mm
- Sections: Door panels and fixed glass panels
- Options: HR++ glass, safety glass, multi-point locks
- Pricing: Base frame cost + glass per m² + option surcharges
Layout System
Templates use a hierarchical layout system to define product structure.
Components
Section Fragments are the building blocks - the actual component types like windows, doors, or panels. Each fragment type has:
- Name and type (window, door, panel, separator)
- Its own dimension constraints (min/max width/height)
- Default dimensions
Layout Nodes arrange fragments in a tree structure:
- Rows: Horizontal containers
- Columns: Vertical containers
- Nodes can be sized by percentage (flexible) or fixed millimeters
How It Works
A layout alternates between rows and columns:
Root (Row)
├── Column A (60%)
│ └── Window Section
└── Column B (40%)
├── Row 1 (50%)
│ └── Fixed Panel
└── Row 2 (50%)
└── Door SectionThis creates a product with a large window on the left, and a fixed panel above a door on the right.
Fragment Options
Fragment options are selectable features that customers can add to their configuration.
Types of Options
- Glass types: HR++ glass, safety glass, tinted glass
- Hardware: Lock types, handle styles
- Features: Ventilation grilles, blinds integration
Option Groups
Options can be grouped for mutual exclusivity. For example, in a "glass_type" group, the customer can only select one: standard, HR++, or safety glass.
Pricing Impact
Each option can have associated pricing rules. When a customer selects "Safety Glass", a per-option pricing rule can add a surcharge.
Materials and Colors
Materials define the finishes and colors available for products.
Properties
- Type: Material or color
- Side: Inside, outside, or both
- Name and code: Display name and internal identifier
Example Colors
- RAL 9010 White (inside/outside)
- Anthracite Grey (outside only)
- Oak Wood Effect (inside only)
Colors can have associated pricing rules for surcharges.
Submissions
A submission is created when a customer completes a configuration and submits their request.
What Submissions Contain
- Customer information: Name, email, phone, optional company details
- Configuration: Dimensions, selected layout, chosen options, colors
- Template reference: Which template was used
- Status: New, Quoted, or Closed
Submission Lifecycle
- New: Customer submits configuration
- Quoted: You create and send a quote
- Closed: Quote is accepted (or manually closed)
What You Can Do
- View the visual layout preview
- See all customer selections and specifications
- Create a quote from the submission
- Contact the customer directly
Quotes
A quote is a formal price offer sent to a customer based on their submission.
Quote Components
- Quote number: Unique identifier (e.g., Q-2026-0001)
- Version: Increments when you edit and resend
- Line items: Individual priced components
- Pricing: Subtotal, tax rate, tax amount, total
- Validity: Expiration date
- Notes: Project-specific information
- Terms: Payment and delivery terms
Line Items
Each line item includes:
- Description
- Quantity
- Unit price
- Total
- Item type (window, door, material, labor, etc.)
Line items can be auto-generated from your pricing rules or entered manually.
Quote Lifecycle
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Draft | Created but not yet sent. Only you can see it. |
| Sent | Emailed to customer. They can now view it. |
| Viewed | Customer opened the quote link (first time). |
| Accepted | Customer accepted and signed. Submission closes. |
| Rejected | Customer declined. You can follow up or requote. |
| Expired | Validity date passed without customer action. |
Customer Actions
When customers receive a quote email, they get a secure link to:
- View the full quote with pricing breakdown
- See the visual layout of their configuration
- Download a PDF version
- Accept the quote (with optional signature)
- Reject the quote (with optional reason)
Pricing System
WinFactor's pricing system calculates prices automatically based on rules you configure.
Pricing Levels
-
Template-wide: Applied once to the entire configuration
- Example: Base frame price, overall handling fee
-
Per-fragment: Applied to each section of a specific type
- Example: Glass pricing per m² for each window
-
Per-option: Applied when customer selects specific options
- Example: Safety glass surcharge when selected
-
Per-material: Applied for color/material selections
- Example: Premium color surcharge
Calculation Types
WinFactor includes predefined calculation formulas:
- Area: Price per square meter or centimeter
- Running meter: Price per meter of perimeter
- Fixed: Flat price regardless of size
- Tiered: Different rates based on size thresholds
- Percentage: Percentage of another amount
Real-Time Pricing
When pricing rules are configured, customers see prices update in real-time as they configure their product.
For detailed setup instructions, see the Pricing Rules Guide.
Events
Events are notifications triggered by actions in WinFactor. They power automations and integrations.
Event Types
| Event | When It Fires |
|---|---|
submission.created | Customer submits a configuration |
quote.created | You create a new quote |
quote.sent | You send a quote to customer |
quote.viewed | Customer opens the quote link |
quote.accepted | Customer accepts the quote |
quote.rejected | Customer rejects the quote |
quote.expiring_soon | Quote expires in 3 days |
quote.expired | Quote validity has passed |
lead.created | Someone submits a contact form |
Using Events
Events can trigger:
- Email notifications to your team
- Slack or Teams messages
- CRM updates (HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive)
- Custom workflows via ActivePieces
See the ActivePieces Integration guide for setup instructions.
Next Steps
- Quick Start - Create your first template and quote
- ActivePieces Integration - Set up automated workflows