D-Tools

D-Tools System Integrator: Ensuring Freight and Other Odd Items Are Included in Project Bids

The article explains various methods within D-Tools System Integrator—such as using Allowance Packages, Catalog Items, Calculated Catalog Items, Accessory Designations, and Price Adjustments—to accurately include and calculate freight and other irregular costs like travel and equipment rental in AV project bids, ensuring these often-overlooked expenses are properly accounted for.

For many AV veterans, dealing with irregular items such as freight, travel, per diem, and equipment rental may be standard practice. However, for new System Integrator (SI) users, ensuring these items are included in project bids can be challenging. This entry focuses on how to include freight (shipping and handling) in your SI projects to avoid omitting this crucial value.

Options for Including Freight in SI

1. Allowance Package

  • Use the Allowance Package in SI to estimate unknown values like freight at the time of bidding.
  • The Allowance Package can be part of any Project Template, ensuring freight is not overlooked.
  • You can add an estimated amount initially and update it with the actual amount later once known.
  • For more details, refer to SI's documentation on Allowances.

2. Catalog Item

  • Create a Catalog item (either product or labor) to represent your freight burden.
  • Add the SKU once for all project-related freight or to each location as needed.
  • You can designate a Location/sub-Location as Freight for reporting purposes.

3. Calculated Catalog Item

  • Use a Calculated Catalog item to base freight pricing on values such as the entire project, a specific system, location, phase, or parent item.
  • This allows for automatic calculation of freight charges.
  • More information is available in SI's documentation on Calculated Pricing for Products.

4. Accessory Designation

  • Assign a Catalog item as an Accessory to a Parent item (product or labor).
  • The accessory's value can be based on the price of the parent item, ensuring freight is included and calculated automatically.
  • For example, add a freight charge as an Accessory to a large TV to capture substantial shipping costs.
  • You can create separate freight charges for inbound and outbound shipping by modifying the model number.

5. Price Adjustments

  • Use Price Adjustments if you want to generate your freight burden as a percentage of the overall product or labor value.
  • SI offers three Price Adjustment options: Product Price Adjustment, Misc. Parts Price Adjustment, and Labor Price Adjustment.
  • You can relabel these adjustments for both default and custom reports.
  • Note: Price Adjustment values are subject to tax by default in SI.

6. MISC Items

  • MISC Items allow users to name, describe, and set pricing for values like freight in the project bid.
  • MISC Items can be included in any Project Template and will be present in new projects created via SI's cloning mechanism.
  • Report outputs can be relabeled as needed.
  • By default, MISC Items are not subject to tax.
  • Pricing can be set by entering an exact amount or using a formula within the MISC Item.

Recommendations and Tips

  • Each team may use these features differently; new SI users are encouraged to consult with the Professional Services Group (PSG) for guidance.
  • SI's features are designed to help ensure freight is included in bids, supporting profitability and accuracy.
  • Update to SI v21 if you haven't already.
  • Utilize the features above to ensure freight and shipping/handling needs are addressed.
  • Take advantage of webinars, training, and online documentation for further assistance.

In Closing

  • For more information on these and other SI features, refer to the D-Tools v21 documentation.
  • Additional resources include videos, webinars, and training with the PSG team.
  • Stay updated with new releases and feature requests to maximize your success with SI.

Enjoy!

Be sure to check back for future updates and tips on including other irregular items in your SI projects.

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