mold_cost_online_tool/src/USER_GUIDE.md

# 🏭 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.

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## 📋 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!

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## 🔐 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.

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## 🧮 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 Type** → **Sub Type** → **Specific 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!

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## 💰 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.

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## 🆘 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

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## 💡 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

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*Need additional help? Contact your system administrator for support.*