I’d like to be somewhat vague because my job is somewhat niche. For my job I made custom products that are made up of subcomponents that cost me either by the foot, by the pair, or individually. So a particular product may include 5 feet of X, Y and Z, a pair of V and 1 of T and U. Then I add a bit for profit.
Right now I have a somewhat simple spreadsheet that has all my components and their costs listed which are then referenced on other sheets. The problem is adding or removing components is a real pain in the ass because I’d have to edit each and every sheet.
I’d like a better system where I can create a new product then from a drop down or something pick all the relevant components and enter how many of that component I need. Then create a quote that I can email to a client that lists the final cost of a bunch of products.
I’d prefer this to be a, open source web app but it can be a desktop application.
I’d agree with others, I don’t think you need a custom “app”, you just need to upgrade your spreadsheet skills. That’s probably the easier path here.
Theoretically you could make your components variables and just point your sheets doing the calculations at those variables. So you just change value of your variable, and your sheet re-does the calculation.
The only reason I’d recommend doing something custom is if you’re building a client-facing form. But even then, a simple Google Form that points at Google Sheets would work.
Please, even if you yourself don’t care about privacy, please don’t recommend google sheets to people. Those who care about privacy can’t view them without giving it up.
Cryptpad sheets, framacalc, grist, ethercalc are alternatives, most of which (if not all) support collaborative editing, formulas, and selfhosting.