Introduction

In today’s competitive construction and architectural markets, efficiency and seamless data flow are essential for high-end aluminium glazing companies. This case study explores the development and implementation of a bespoke Quickbase application, alongside a fully integrated website, for one of the industry’s leading companies. The solution streamlined their operations, enhanced customer engagement, and provided a robust foundation for continued growth.

Background

The client, a premier aluminium glazing specialist, manages complex projects from initial enquiry through to installation. With expanding operations and a growing customer base, they faced challenges in managing project workflows, customer relationships, and operational coordination. Existing manual processes across CRM, project management, site surveys, production, and fitting were time-consuming and prone to errors. The need for a unified, digital solution was clear.

Objectives

• Centralise project, client, and operational data for greater visibility and control
• Automate the flow of enquiries from the company website directly into the project management system
• Enhance collaboration across departments: sales, project management, surveyors, production, and fitters
• Improve customer experience and response times
• Enable scalable growth with flexible, customisable technology

Solution Overview

We designed and developed a tailored Quickbase application to serve as the digital backbone of the company’s operations. The app was built from the ground up to map directly to the client’s workflow and business logic, featuring the following core modules:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Captures all client interactions, tracks leads, and manages the sales pipeline from initial enquiry through to contract signing.
• Project Management: Allows for comprehensive tracking and management of each project, including milestones, tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
• Site Survey Management: Coordinates survey appointments, records findings, and ensures that all necessary information is captured for accurate costing and production planning.
• Production Management: Manages the scheduling, progress, and quality control of each glazing unit, linking directly to survey data and project milestones.
• Fitting Management: Schedules installation teams, tracks site progress, and handles post-fit snagging and completion sign-off.

Website Development and Integration

In parallel with the Quickbase application, we developed a modern, responsive website that showcases the client’s portfolio and expertise. Crucially, the website was engineered to integrate seamlessly with Quickbase. The integrated enquiry form ensures that all customer leads are instantly captured in the CRM module of the app, triggering automated workflows and notifications for the sales team.

Implementation Process

1. Requirements Gathering: We conducted in-depth workshops with key stakeholders from each department to map out workflows, identify pain points, and define success criteria.
2. Design and Prototyping: Using iterative prototyping, we created a user-centred interface for the Quickbase app, ensuring ease of use for staff at all levels.
3. Custom Module Development: Each module was built to reflect real-world processes, with custom forms, dashboards, and automated notifications.
4. Website Construction and Integration: The new website was built using best practices for speed, SEO, and mobile responsiveness. Secure API connections were established between the website and Quickbase, enabling real-time data flow.
5. User Training and Change Management: Staff received tailored training sessions, and detailed documentation was provided to support adoption.
6. Go-Live and Support: The system was rolled out with minimal disruption, and ongoing support was provided to address any queries and further optimise workflows.

Results

• Enquiries from the website are now automatically logged and tracked, reducing administration and ensuring swift follow-up.
• Project visibility has improved dramatically, with real-time dashboards enabling managers to monitor progress and address bottlenecks proactively.
• Collaboration between departments is streamlined, with all relevant information accessible from a single source of truth.
• Customer satisfaction has increased, thanks to prompt responses and more accurate project updates.
• The business is now positioned for scalable growth, with technology that can adapt as requirements evolve.

Conclusion

The bespoke Quickbase application, combined with a fully integrated website, has transformed the way our client manages projects, customers, and operations. The solution has delivered measurable efficiency gains, improved visibility, and enhanced the overall client experience. This case study demonstrates the value of a tailored digital platform in supporting the ambitions of a modern, high-end manufacturing and installation business.