Aluminium Extra
PST takes online product configuration a step further with vsOnline
Building on its existing VS software and experience of working with manufacturers and their products, PST( Production Software Technology) has developed vsOnline, a new online ordering and product configuration platform.
Designed with manufacturers and their installer networks in mind, vsOnline brings product configuration, quotation and ordering together in one online platform, giving installers a simple way to configure and order products using the manufacturer’ s own specifications and options.
“ We’ ve been working on vsOnline for a while now, so it’ s great to finally be able to introduce it. We wanted to create something that would make ordering simpler for manufacturers and their installers, while still giving manufacturers plenty of control over how their products are presented and ordered,” said Neil Travers, Director at PST.
A SMARTER WAY TO ORDER
Ordering products from manufacturers can involve multiple stages. From selecting the right product and specification through to placing an order and keeping track of its progress. vsOnline brings these stages together, giving installers one place to configure products, create quotations and place orders.
The configurator allows manufacturers to present their own products and available options online. Installers can select the product they need, configure the specification and progress through to quotation and ordering.
For example, a manufacturer supplying skylights could have its products and specifications built into its own version of vsOnline. An installer can log into the
branded platform, select the relevant product, configure the required specification and add it to their basket.
Multiple products can be added before an order is submitted, providing one place to manage the products required for a project. Once submitted, the manufacturer can review and accept the order, retaining control over what is placed.
Installers can also receive email notifications as their order progresses, check its status online and access previous orders, giving them greater visibility throughout the process.
BUILT AROUND YOUR BUSINESS
PST can work with the manufacturer to decide which products, specifications and configuration options are available online, how they are presented and what happens when an order is submitted. The platform can also use the manufacturer’ s own branding, with additional products and options added as the range changes. Specific features such as individual pricing or discounts, can also be included where required.
A generic version of vsOnline is also available for manufacturers looking for a simpler, lower-cost option, with less development required.
ATLAS ALUMINIUM: A FIRST EXAMPLE
A first example of this platform is ProQuote by Atlas Aluminium, which has recently gone live.
PST has worked closely with Atlas Aluminium to develop its own branded online configuration and ordering platform, using Atlas’ s products, specifications and options to create a dedicated online experience for its customers.
ProQuote allows Atlas’ s customers to configure products online, create quotations and place orders, as well as access previous orders and information about their progress.
The project has involved close collaboration between PST’ s development team and Atlas Aluminium, with both businesses working together to shape the platform around Atlas’ s products, specifications and ordering processes.
ProQuote provides a real-world example of how PST can take product information and processes already managed within its software and develop them into a dedicated online solution around the requirements of an individual manufacturer.
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD FOR PST vsOnline builds on PST’ s growing range of software solutions and experience of working with manufacturers and their products.
The development also demonstrates how PST can build on the information already held within VS, combining its existing software with further development to create new ways for manufacturers and their customers to interact with their products.
Tom, who has been closely involved in the development of vsOnline, added:“ It’ s been great to get stuck into a new project like this and see the first vsOnline configurator come together. It’ s been an interesting project to work on and I’ m looking forward to taking what we’ ve learnt from this and getting involved in future vsOnline projects for our clients.”
For more information about vsOnline, or to discuss how PST could develop an online ordering solution around your business, contact the PST team.
www. pstonline. co. uk
CLEARVIEW-UK. COM NOVEMBER 2026
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