D-Tools vs XTEN-AV: Which AV Design Software is Best for Your AV Business

D-Tools vs XTEN-AV:

The Ultimate Battle of the AV Design & Diagram Software

D-tools vs Xten-AV
D-tools vs Xten-AV

AV design & proposal software is like having a personal assistant for your audiovisual projects. It helps you create custom solutions that fit your ideas. The right design and diagramming software can range from average to exceptional. It can streamline processes, boost productivity, enhance profitability, and give a competitive edge. If you're ready to take your AV design and project proposals to the next level, continue reading this comprehensive guide on XTEN-AV vs D-Tools to help you select the perfect software for your audio visual design and proposal creation needs.

Consider switching to a cloud-based AV design and diagram software like XTEN-AV for increased flexibility, collaboration, and automatic updates. To help you make an informed decision, we've provided a comparison table of AV schematic design software options.

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XTEN-AV vs D-Tools SI vs D Tools Cloud


XTEN-AV
D-TOOLS Cloud
D-TOOLS SI
100% cloud-based
Single platform for Drawings,
Design proposals and team collaboration
Built-in comprehensive
Drawing & Editing Tool

(Add on Visio or CAD)
Automatic Cable
labeling
Title block styling
AI based Search Sense
Access drawings/ documents
on the cloud
Advanced Cable styling
& Device block Styling
My library
Drawings Automation for Racks,
Signal Flows,
Cable Schedule etc
Automated ceiling
speaker layout tool
Specification search tool
Create your own products
with Ports and I/O
Library management
by XTEN
Automation via
Questionnaire
100+ proposal templates
+ My Templates
Variables
Repeater element
Legally-binding
Digital Signatures
Single page scrollable
document editor
Multipage copy paste
(page flow)
Multiple methods of cost
& labor calculations
Realtime Document
tracking and automated
notifications
Send proposals via
trackable URL
Industry-best editing
& styling features
Kanban Dashboard to
track proposals
Change orders
Inventory management
Integration with
Quicbooks online
User access level
In-App Chat
Approval workflow
Design & product sharing
Reporting

Pricing

$$

$$$$$

$$$$$
Free set-up & training
API Integrations Quickbooks Online, Salesforce,
Q360, Zoho CRM,
monday.com,Hubspot,
MS Dynamics (coming soon)
Quickbooks Online
or Desktop*
(*windows only)
Dealer pricing For over
200 manufacturers
& distributors

XTEN-AV
D-TOOLS SI
D-TOOLS Cloud
100% cloud-based Yes No Yes
Single platform for Drawings,
Design proposals and team collaboration
Yes Yes No
Built-in comprehensive
Drawing & Editing Tool
Yes Yes No
Automatic Cable
labeling
Yes Yes No
Title block styling Yes Yes No
AI based Search Sense Yes Yes Yes
Drawings Automation for Racks,
Signal Flows,
Cable Schedule etc
Yes No No
Automated ceiling
speaker layout tool
Yes No No
100+ proposal templates
+ My Templates
Yes Yes No
Variables Yes No No
Repeater element Yes No No
Legally-binding
Digital Signatures
Yes Yes Yes
Single page scrollable
document editor
Yes Yes No
Multipage copy paste
(page flow)
Yes Yes No
Send proposals via
trackable URL
Yes Yes Yes
User access level Yes Yes Yes
In-App Chat Yes No Yes
Approval workflow Yes Yes No
Pricing $$ $$$$$ $$
Free set-up & training Yes No No
API Integrations Quickbooks Online, Salesforce,
Q360, Zoho CRM,
monday.com, Hubspot,
MS Dynamics
Quickbooks Online
or Desktop
+ Full API Support
Quickbooks Online
or Desktop
Dealer pricing For over
200 manufacturers
& distributors
Yes Yes

Scale Up Your AV Design & Diagramming Capabilities

What sets XTEN-AV apart from D-Tools?

XTEN-AV is a fully cloud-based, AI-powered software to automate your AV diagram & drawings documents, calculations, create stellar designs and winning proposals that speed up your closing rates. While DTools software relies on a legacy, desktop-only software that requires a dedicated local server to be set up for an organization, XTEN-AV pushes ahead to give you a full cloud-access and easy access on any device, all you need is an internet connection! Additionally, D-tools is only compatible with Windows operating systems. These limitations are completely overcome with a shift made to XTEN-AV.

XTEN-AV has a well-crafted user interface and platform that lets users complete all steps of an AV project seamlessly; from AV schematic designs & signal flow drawings, proposal creation to collaboration and much more. It is a one-stop-shop for all your AV project requirements; a comprehensive design & diagramming tool X-DRAW, an extensive library of 1.5M products from over 5200 brands, a next-generation proposal tool, templates, and exhaustive collaboration features!

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Is X-DRAW more comprehensive than D-Tools SI (System Integrator)?

Answer to this question is simply, Yes. X-DRAW can help you scale up your audiovisual designs and diagramming capabilities. Using X-DRAW you can:

Get a range of AV design Templates: X-DRAW templates allow for easy customization and get ready- bill of materials, drawings, and proposals to create high-quality AV designs for various spaces. The DFY audio visual room templates offer a range of design options, making it easy to create customized layouts with detailed drawings. The generated proposals outline project scope and costs, making it easy to communicate.

Built-in Drawing tool: X-DRAW is a comprehensive, built-in design & diagramming tool, with AV-specific capabilities. It allows users to create AV drawings or edit them on the go. In comparison, DTools SI requires a separate Visio or AutoCAD subscription as an add-on for drawing, while D-tools Cloud doesn't have a drawing tool at all.

Automatic cable labeling & styling: X-DRAW's automatic cable labeling and styling feature provides you with an extensive cable management for audiovisual designs. The feature offers you extensive cable labeling options and allows customization of the cables/ tags and more, ensuring a professional look.

Upload and create floor plans:- X-DRAW lets you upload and customize your existing floor plans in a variety of formats and create new ones from scratch, saving time and money while creating an immersive audiovisual experience tailored to your needs. With support for various file formats, such as AutoCAD and PDF, you can easily get started on your project.

Access a library of 1.5 million products from 5200 brands: XTEN-AV simplifies audiovisual product management with its comprehensive catalog, which allows you to create your own library and build custom products from a database of 1.5 million products from 5,200 brands.

Access on the cloud: Access all your AV drawings, documents, and data on the cloud, anytime and anywhere with an internet connection, on the platform. Access and share audiovisual assets, whether you're at work, home, or on the go.

How is x.doc more beneficial to you than D-tools cloud?

XTEN-AV's proposal tool simplifies proposal creation for businesses with features like reusable templates, digital signatures and a variety of calculation methods. It seamlessly integrates with popular software like Zoho CRM and Salesforce etc. It helps you create visually stunning proposals using a range of industry-best editing and styling features, extensive elements and an easy-to-use single page scrollable document. With x.doc you can get access to:

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100+ Proposal Templates: With an extensive library of winning proposals, XTEN-AV allows you to quickly find the perfect AV Proposal Templates to showcase your project and speed up the deal-closing process. Carefully designed templates are tailored to make your proposal stand out and impress potential customers.

Legally-binding Digital Signatures: With a digital signature solution, XTEN-AV eliminates the need for manual document signing. Its secure and legally binding option allows you to sign documents electronically, ensuring everything is tracked and accounted for. This saves you time to focus on other important aspects of your business.

Industry-best document editing & styling features: Engage clients with eye-catching proposals created effortlessly using XTEN-AV's world-class editing and styling features. This user-friendly platform allows for easy customization, resulting in winning proposals generated in minutes.

Realtime proposal tracking- Track your proposals seamlessly through the sales process with the kanban dashboard. Get notified when clients view the document and easily send reminders with just a few clicks. This user-friendly feature accelerates your deal-closing process by 10X as compared to DTools Cloud.

How convenient is collaboration on XTEN-AV vs DTools?

XTEN-AV provides a super convenient collaboration experience. XTEN-AV allows users to share projects and designs with teammates seamlessly, over the cloud. A 100% cloud-access also provides a convenient access to any design or document anywhere, on any device, on the go! Collaboration on D-Tools software requires a local server setup, and users must be connected to the same network to work on the same project. With XTEN-AV you get the following benefits:

User Access level: Optimize your team's productivity with seamless collaboration on the XTEN-AV platform. You can effortlessly assign roles, share projects and assignments, and track progress all in one place. Streamline your teamwork and achieve ultimate efficiency.

Project & Design sharing: The platform lets you share designs and projects with teammates in your organization. Easy access and sharing empowers users to collaborate seamlessly on design and project levels. The platform enables seamless teamwork and helps you achieve more together.

Chatter, the real time chat: Chatter is a real-time in-app chat that helps you save time and energy when handling comments, approvals, or requests. This user-friendly chat tool allows you to tag your teammates, share elements, and get quick feedback, all in one place.

Auto-generate a wide range of reports with a single click: This audio visual design platform allows you to create a variety of reports and generate them easily with a single click. You can save these reports in Excel or CSV format and schedule them to be sent at specific times and destinations, making it convenient for you to keep track of your data.

Approval Workflow designed to maximize efficiency: Approval workflow is designed to make the process more efficient for you and your team. With the ability to share designs and projects, you'll have seamless access and tracking, allowing for better collaboration. Say goodbye to the hassle of approvals!

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Why look for a D-tools alternative?

The world is moving away from legacy methods of AV designing and collaboration. While manual audio visual calculations and drawing were a standard practice till a few years back, automation has taken the world over by a storm. These manual methods not just demand greater effort but also involve error and are more time consuming.

In the era of easy-escalation from av calculations to diagramming to design completion, proposal creation, sharing and deal-conclusion, using software platforms that offer AV-specific capabilities is a plus. Choose softwares that offers everything on the same platform; let you design, pitch, collaborate and track without switching between different tools.

Another factor to look for while choosing the perfect audio visual design software as compared to D-Tools is the user support offered. Good user support is inclusive of all resources, materials and information made available to a customer, in addition to your primary chat/email support. Check out the XTEN-AV Knowledgebase, regular webinar sessions and one-on-one Demo requests that can help you navigate through the platform easily and use it to its 100% potential.

Cheapest Alternative to the DTools Pricing

XTEN-AV offers an exceptional pricing advantage over d tools. While DTools requires businesses to purchase and integrate with multiple tools like AutoCAD and Visio, XTEN-AV provides all the necessary tools in a single, cost-effective package. This all-in-one solution saves businesses money, making it a more affordable and efficient option. Additionally, XTEN-AV's pricing structure is transparent, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Overall, XTEN-AV's pricing is a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions for AV project management.

Check out the XTEN-AV pricing here and find a plan that suits you best!

Finalizing the best av design & proposal software that would work for you!

The most effective way to evaluate the av capabilities of any software is to try it out through a free trial. With XTEN-AV, not only do you get a free trial, but it includes every single feature of the platform. This all-feature-inclusive free trial is a unique offering that allows you to fully explore the software. Additionally, XTEN-AV provides comprehensive support and onboarding to ensure you get the most out of the platform during your free trial and beyond. Unlike other av design & diagram software providers, XTEN-AV's free trial offers a true test of the platform's capabilities without any limitations, making it the ideal way to determine if XTEN-AV is the right choice for your AV project management needs.

You can optimize your AV system integrator software projects and 10X your efficiency. Start the XTEN-AV 15-Day Free Trial now and see how it stands out from the competition!

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Frequently Asked Questions

XTEN-AV is a software solution that shares similarities with D-Tools, but it offers a more user-friendly and engaging design experience. Its workflow is structured in a modular fashion, allowing users to start with different modules, such as design, proposal, or project management. Additionally, XTEN-AV is a more affordable option, making it a suitable choice.

Yes, D-Tools System Integrator (SI) offers a free 30-day trial. You need to request for a free trial on their website to use the software during the trial period.

DTools is a software company that provides solutions for system integrators and custom installers in the residential and commercial audio-visual, security, and IT industries.

Yes, It integrates into popular accounting packages QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, to send signed agreements directly to QuickBooks for billing.

Randy Stearns is the CEO of D-Tools. He co-founded the company in 1998 and has been leading the company ever since.

Xten-AV is one of the alternatives that is accessible from any device with an internet connection. It offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that requires minimal training.

Dtools uses technologies such as Microsoft .NET Framework, SQL Server, AutoCAD, and Visio to provide a software solution for managing projects and workflows.

A software solution provider for the audiovisual and system integration industries, dtools was founded in the year 1998. Having 20+ years of experience, they have been providing clients with amazing solutions and streamlining the industry documentation, project, and design management procedure.

According to CEO Randy Stearns, D-tools’ current annual sales total somewhere around $70 million. They have a staff of about 350 workers that are very important in achieving this revenue and moving ahead the overall profitability of the company.

We empower people to streamline their design workflows, create stunning drawings and automate the documentation and calculation, leading to 10X efficiency!
Vibhav Singh
Vibhav Singh
Vibhav has been in the Professional AV business for over a decade and has worked for leading global manufacturers such as Harman, Biamp and Music Tribe. After spending years in the industry and witnessing a minimal role of software in a hardware- dominated industry, Vibhav seeded the idea of a software platform that would reduce manual effort and exponentially increase productivity by utilizing the latest technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Having worked in multinational and multidimensional environments Vibhav has an all-round experience in Management, Technology and Sales. Vibhav holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and also a CTS certification from AVIXA. He is an avid traveler, a fitness enthusiast and our resident audiophile.

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