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mold_cost_online_tool/USER_GUIDE.md
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Gan, Jimmy 6c0d5a4e63 Initial commit: Clean Mold Cost Calculator application
- Flask-based mold cost calculation application
- PostgreSQL database with SQLAlchemy ORM
- Docker/Podman containerization
- Comprehensive documentation in docs/
- Clean, organized codebase without obsolete files
- Production-ready deployment configuration
- Enhanced pytest configuration with coverage reporting
- Master/Development branch structure
2025-06-24 02:30:09 +08:00

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🏭 Mold Cost Calculator - User Guide

Welcome to the Mold Cost Calculator! This guide will help you quickly and easily estimate the cost of manufacturing molds for your footwear projects.


📋 Quick Start Guide

🚀 First Time Here?

  1. Register → Create your account
  2. Login → Access the calculator
  3. Fill Form → Enter your project details
  4. Calculate → Get instant cost estimates

🔄 Returning User?

Simply login and start calculating!


🔐 Getting Started

Creating Your Account

Step 1: Visit the Mold Cost Calculator website
Step 2: Click the "Register" button
Step 3: Fill in your details:

  • Username (choose something memorable)
  • Email (use your work email)
  • Company (your organization name)
  • Password (make it secure!)

Step 4: Click "Register" and you're ready to go!

Logging In

  • Enter your email and password
  • Click "Login"
  • You'll be taken to your dashboard

💡 Forgot your password? Contact your system administrator for help.


🧮 Using the Calculator

The calculator is organized into 4 main sections. Fill them out in order for the best experience!

📊 Section 1: Factory Information

Tell us about the factories involved in your project:

Mold Shop (Where the mold is made)

  • Name: Enter the mold manufacturing facility name
  • Country: Choose from China, Vietnam, or Indonesia

T1 Shoe Factory (Primary shoe manufacturer)

  • Name: Enter the main shoe factory name
  • Country: Select the factory location

T2 Component Factory (Component supplier)

  • Name: Enter the component factory name
  • Country: Select the component factory location

📋 Section 2: Project Details

Basic information about your mold project:

  • Model Name: The shoe model name or code
  • Tooling ID: A 5-character identification code (must be exactly 5 digits, e.g., "12345")
  • Season: Project season (e.g., "SS25", "FW24")
  • Stage: Current project phase:
    • CR0, CR1, CR2 = Concept Review stages
    • SMS = Sample Manufacturing Stage
    • Commercialization = Commercial production
    • Production = Full production
  • Type: Automatically set based on your stage selection

⚙️ Section 3: Mold Specifications

This is where you define your mold's technical details:

Mold Type Selection

Main TypeSub TypeSpecific Type (if applicable)

Choose your mold type from these options:

Main Type Sub Types Available
Rubber Flat Outsole, Cupsole, Rubber Sole
CMEVA 2 Plates Mold, 3 Plates Mold, 2 Plates with in-mold channel, Breathable + in-mold channel
IMEVA 2 Plates Mold, 3 Plates Mold
Sandal Sandal with Upper Bandage, 2 Plate without Upper Bandage
Co-shot mold Co-shot mold, Foaming mold
PU 2 Plates Mold, 3 Plates Mold

Technical Details

  • Number of Sliders: 0-4 sliders
  • Number of Cavities: 0.5 to 3 pairs
  • Digital Texture:
    • adidas digital texture
    • customized texture
    • laser texture
  • High Sidewall >60mm: Yes/No

Specific Types Available:

  • Flat Outsole: Flat, Flat with Top/Heel Tip
  • Cupsole: Top PL, Visible PL
  • Rubber Sole: Top PL, Short PL (Heel/Forefoot), Visible PL, Wave PL

📅 Section 4: Dates & Approvals

Final details for your quotation:

  • Issue Date: When this quote is issued
  • Mold Shop Approver: Name of mold shop representative
  • T1 Tooling Approver: Name of T1 tooling representative
  • LO Tooling Approver: Name of LO tooling representative

🎯 Calculate Your Cost

Click the big blue "Calculate" button to get your instant cost estimate!


💰 Understanding Your Results

After calculation, you'll see a detailed breakdown:

Cost Summary

  • Net Base Price: Base mold cost (before taxes)
  • Tax Rate: Applicable tax percentage
  • Total Cost: Final cost including taxes

Project Summary

A complete overview of all your entered information for easy reference.

🔧 Technical Issues

Q: The dropdowns are greyed out!
A: Make sure you've selected the previous field first. The dropdowns work in sequence.

Q: The page isn't loading properly
A: Try refreshing your browser or clearing your cache (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R).

Q: I'm getting an error message
A: Check that all required fields are filled out. Required fields are marked with asterisks (*).

Q: The Tooling ID field won't accept letters
A: The Tooling ID must be exactly 5 digits (numbers only). The system automatically prevents non-numeric input.


🆘 Need Help?

Technical Problems

  • Browser issues: Try refreshing or clearing cache
  • Login problems: Contact your system administrator
  • Calculation errors: Check that all required fields are completed

Questions About Your Project

  • Mold specifications: Ask your technical team
  • Cost factors: Consult with your mold shop
  • Project requirements: Speak with your design team

Account Issues

  • Password reset: Contact your system administrator
  • Access problems: Contact your system administrator
  • Registration issues: Contact your system administrator

💡 Pro Tips

  1. Be Accurate: Enter precise information for the most accurate cost estimates
  2. Consult Experts: When in doubt about technical specifications, consult with your technical team
  3. Keep Updated: Ensure you're using the latest specifications and requirements
  4. Save Time: Bookmark the calculator for quick access
  5. Double-Check: Review your entries before calculating

Need additional help? Contact your system administrator for support.