Legacy Application Modernization for a Metal Building Manufacturer
Highlights
- Ongoing modernization of a legacy desktop configurator
- Configuration of multiple buildings within one project
- Automatic calculations across interconnected building parameters
- Warning and blocking validation for project data
- Project documentation and DWG file generation
Client
The client is a US-based manufacturer of metal structures and components that assembles warehouses, manufacturing facilities, self-storage buildings, aircraft hangars, and other custom metal buildings. The company processes customer requests that must be converted into detailed building configurations, cost estimates, technical documentation, and files required for production.
Challenge
The client relied on a legacy desktop application for configuring and calculating project parameters. Its outdated interface and architecture made the software difficult to maintain, extend, and align with new business requirements. SoftTeco joined the project to modernize the application by moving it to a web-based solution while preserving the existing calculation logic, including formulas for building dimensions and project metrics, as well as dependencies between roof pitch, framing options, wall and roof components, panel profiles, fastener specifications, finishes, and other configuration parameters. The new system also had to connect project configuration with separate estimating and production applications.
Solution
The web application supports the initial configuration of metal building projects. Users can specify project information and location, add several buildings, and configure each building through a step-by-step workflow. The system recalculates dependent values after parameter changes, provides a reference visualization of the selected configuration, and validates project data to reduce the risk of incomplete or conflicting information reaching the estimating and production stages.
Once the configuration is ready, the project moves to a separate estimating application. Users can complete missing commercial and technical information, make additional adjustments, and prepare the estimate. After the required approval stages, the project continues to a separate production application.
Tech stack
Backend
Frontend
Blazor
How it works
SoftTeco was responsible for the frontend and backend development of the web application. The configurator was part of a broader workflow that included the client’s custom CRM environment and separate applications for estimating and production.
Legacy calculation logic migration. Our team transferred and adapted the formulas, component dependencies, calculation rules, and business logic from the desktop application. The migrated calculation logic was covered by tests to verify that formulas and dependent values behaved as expected in the new web system.
Web-based project configuration. On top of the migrated logic, SoftTeco implemented a web workflow that allows users to manage several buildings within one project. Each building can be configured through six main stages:
- Building geometry
- Framing
- Wall options
- Sheeting and trim
- Options and accessories
- Colors
The system supports dozens or potentially hundreds of parameters, including building dimensions, roof pitch, framing options, panel profiles, fastener specifications, finishes, and colors.
Automatic recalculation and visualization. When a user changes a relevant parameter, the system immediately recalculates dependent dimensions, metrics, and cost-related values. Reference visualizations update as users select the building shape, roof and wall components, finishes, and colors. This helps review the configuration before moving to the next stage.
Project validation. The application identifies incorrect, conflicting, or missing parameters and highlights the affected fields. Non-critical issues may generate warnings, while missing mandatory values can block selected actions, such as saving the project or moving to the next configuration stage.
Estimating and production handoff. Once the building configuration is complete, users can submit the project to a separate estimating application. The estimating workflow allows authorized employees to complete missing project information, define job and delivery details, add specialized requirements, and prepare the estimate. After approval, the project data and generated documentation move to a separate production workflow. SoftTeco also implemented project documents and DWG file generation to support this handoff.
Need a high-performing solution to augment your business?
Let SoftTeco handle your tech challenges and design a software solution tailored precisely to your unique requirements.
Results
SoftTeco helped the client move a complex legacy configuration workflow into a modern web application connected with the company’s wider CRM, estimating, and production processes. SoftTeco developed frontend and backend functionality, expanded the configurator, updated calculation and validation rules, and added features based on the client’s business and production requirements.
