CGW-Quote-Builder/planning/project_features_summary.md

Product Finder - Project Features Summary

Date: March 25, 2026
Project: Product Finder Application for Columbia Metals
Participants: Jesse Salmon, Jason Soltys, Darlene Lampe

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Core Application Features

1. Product Selection Workflow

• Multi-step navigation system using button-based interface
• Goal: Minimize text entry - "tap, tap, tap" workflow
• JSON-driven configuration for flexible navigation without code changes
• Sequential selection process: Color → Size → Model/Type → Accessories

2. Color Selection

• Visual color buttons (similar to current implementation showing Black, Bronze, Mill, etc.)
• Filters available products based on color selection
• Mill finish to be removed (not available for any door)
• Default hardware colors match door colors (e.g., bronze door = black pull, white door = white pull)

3. Size Selection System

Standard Sizes

• Three standard sizes for storm doors:
  • 2668 (26" x 68")
  • 2868 (28" x 68")
  • 3068 (36" x 81")
• Display both nominal size (e.g., "3068") and actual dimensions (e.g., "36 x 81")
• Button-based interface (similar to color selection)
• Standard sizes auto-populate width and height fields (grayed out/non-editable)

Custom Sizes

• Custom option button reveals width/height input fields
• Storm doors: Opening size ONLY (no tip-to-tip)
  • Display warning in RED: "Opening size only - not tip to tip"
• Patio doors: Either opening size or tip-to-tip allowed
• Toggle between standard size buttons and custom input

4. Product Categories

Storm Doors

• Models: Cobra, King, King Dual Vent
• Category filtering based on selected criteria
• Product images for each model
• Measurement requirement: Opening size only for custom orders

Patio Doors

• Standard size: 5069
• Can use opening size or tip-to-tip for custom

Products to Exclude

• Parts (Z-bars, inserts)
• Discontinued items (marked in database)
• M1200 patio storm door
• Storm door inserts

5. Hardware & Accessories

Hardware Selection

• Types: Brass lever, Satin silver, Black pull, White pull
• Labeled as "Hardware" in CGW system
• Default hardware based on door color
• Optional customization via dropdown

Hinge Side Selection

• Required field - no default setting
• Options: Left hand or Right hand
• Measurement instruction: "Facing the door from the outside, which side are the hinges on?"
• Visual prompt/popup to ensure customer understands measurement perspective

6. Visual Elements

Product Images

• Display product photos for each door model
• Door image flipping: Mirror image based on hinge side selection (JavaScript/CSS)
• Images sourced from website and database

Outside View Indicator

• Proposed design: Doghouse illustration with:
  • Small roof/overhang
  • Plant or bush beside door
  • Wall indication
• Purpose: Help customers understand they're viewing from outside
• Simple, rough design acceptable

Navigation Elements

• Button-based interface throughout
• Visual color swatches
• Product thumbnails
• Continue/Next buttons

7. Data Management

Database Integration

• Source: CGW (Columbia Gateway Windows) database
• Locations: Iola, Kansas City, Lindsberg
• Google Sheets for product data management
• Product codes exported from CGW

Data Filtering

• Filter discontinued items (marked in spreadsheet)
• Remove accessories from main product list
• Column H (Door Type/Subtype): Delete to remove from product list
• Columns J & K: Accessory/hardware flags

Product Naming Consistency

• Challenge: Same products have different model numbers across locations
• Solution: Use catalog names (customer-facing)
• Internal CGW names vary by plant
• Need standardization project for matching products across locations

8. User Experience Features

Add to Cart/Order

• Button to add selected product to sales order
• Appears after all selections made
• Label: "Add to [cart/sales order/hardware]"

Measurement Instructions

• Link to PDF with measurement guidelines
• Accessible from size selection screen
• Shows how to determine hinge side, measure openings, etc.

Validation & Warnings

• Opening size requirement for custom storm doors (highlighted in red)
• Required field indicators (hinge side selection)
• Visual cues for defaults vs. custom selections

9. Architecture & Technical Approach

Navigation System

• JSON file manages all navigation flow
• Changes made via JSON manipulation (no code changes needed)
• Flexible architecture to support iteration
• Current limitation: Toggle functionality requires code changes

Development Philosophy

• Hard-code initial features for rapid iteration
• Avoid premature optimization
• Build architecture after understanding full requirements
• Keep front-end decoupled from back-end structure

10. Future Considerations

Windows

• Primary windows and storm windows have different measurement rules
• "Whole different ball game" - to be addressed later

Parts/Accessories Integration

• Parts sheet for storm door inserts
• Separate handling from complete products
• Discontinued items may need parts availability

Multi-Location Support

• Consolidate product naming across plants
• Maintain location-specific inventory
• Unified catalog names for customers

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Key Business Rules

1. Storm doors (custom): Opening size only
2. Patio doors (custom): Opening size OR tip-to-tip
3. Standard sizes: Auto-populate dimensions (read-only)
4. Hinge side: Required selection with instructional prompt
5. Hardware: Defaults based on color, optional customization
6. Discontinued items: Filter from product display
7. Parts/accessories: Exclude from main product categories

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Implementation Priorities

High Priority

1. Size selection with standard sizes as buttons
2. Remove discontinued items from display
3. Hinge side selection with flip image functionality
4. Hardware dropdown with defaults
5. Custom size with opening-size-only warning for storm doors

Medium Priority

1. Outside view visual indicator (doghouse design)
2. Link to measurement instructions PDF
3. Add to cart/order button
4. Product naming standardization across locations

Low Priority (Future)

1. Windows integration
2. Parts/accessories handling
3. Advanced filtering options
4. Multi-location inventory management

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Quality & Accuracy Concerns

• Arnie's primary concern: Accuracy of the system
• Emphasis on preventing measurement errors
• Visual aids to reduce confusion
• Clear labeling and validation messages
• "It's too complicated" - need to prove simplicity through good UX

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This summary was generated from the March 25, 2026 project planning meeting transcript.