AutoInsight: Building a Chrome Extension + Web Platform for Auction Operators

When I started AutoInsight, I was solving a very practical problem:

Operators spend too much time collecting auction lots manually, sending screenshots in messengers, and trying to keep client communication in sync.

That flow creates delays, confusion, and missed context.
AutoInsight turns it into one connected pipeline.

What problem it solves

In the old workflow, operators working with Copart and IAAI often had to:

  • Jump between auction tabs, spreadsheets, and messengers
  • Re-enter lot data manually
  • Lose context between "selection building" and "client discussion"
  • Track bids and feedback across disconnected channels

The main pain was not "missing data".
The main pain was fragmented decisions.

What I built

AutoInsight is a Chrome extension + web app that work together:

  • Extension captures lots directly on Copart and IAAI pages via Save to selection
  • Operator reviews lots in popup, reorders items, sets max bids
  • Operator publishes selection in Private or Public mode
  • Web app coordinates collaboration, with instant Firebase sync for chat, likes, and max-bid updates

Project links:

Key product decisions

1) Extension-first capture

The fastest point of interaction is the auction page itself.
So capture happens where the operator already works, not in a separate admin panel.

2) Two visibility modes

  • Private selection for client-assigned collaboration
  • Public selection for link sharing without assignment

This keeps one core workflow, but supports different business scenarios.

3) Real-time communication inside each lot

Instead of chat detached from data, communication sits next to the lot:

  • instant messages and replies
  • likes as quick client signals
  • max-bid alignment
  • moderation actions (including deletion flow)

That reduces misunderstanding and speeds up decision cycles.

Workflow in practice

  1. User authenticates in web app and extension
  2. Operator saves lots on Copart/IAAI pages
  3. Operator finalizes and submits selection
  4. Client and operator collaborate in web app, while chat, likes, and max-bid updates synchronize instantly
  5. Selection state, discussion, and bid context stay synchronized

What makes this project important for me

AutoInsight is not a demo. It is a commercial, published product with live users and real operational constraints.

It pushed me to handle:

  • browser extension UX and reliability
  • Firebase sync logic for chat, likes, and max-bid updates
  • role-based workflows (owner/client)
  • production tradeoffs around privacy, moderation, and destructive actions

This codebase is private because of commercial confidentiality, but the product is public and actively evolving.

What I am improving next

  • Better operator analytics and selection quality metrics
  • Faster client onboarding and guided flows
  • Smarter AI assistance around lot review and recommendation
  • Deeper automation around repetitive selection tasks

If you are building browser automation, operator tooling, or synchronized collaboration products, this is exactly the type of system I can help design and ship.