D-Tools System Integrator v23: Foundational Aspects for Residential Integrators

Working exclusively on the “Resi”-side of the industry? No problem, as that’s where SI’s roots truly are.

For those on the residential side of the industry, software solutions are often sought with specific needs in mind. The D-Tools System Integrator (SI) platform is a perfect match for such professionals. SI originally started as a residential-only solution, designed by those working in that market.

While other software platforms were developed to serve multiple markets, SI was conceived to serve the audio-video industry, specifically the residential market. Although SI has its roots in the residential side, it can effectively serve users across all market sectors. This entry focuses on features that benefit those working in the housing market.

---

Key Features for the Residential Market

Along with Project Templates, Project Approval (both partial and full), and Change Orders, the following features are highlighted for their benefits to residential contractors.

The Use of Visio's Floorplan Background

One of the most vital features of SI is the use of a floorplan to plot your bill of materials design. There are several configuration elements when using Visio in conjunction with SI. If assistance is needed, the D-Tools team is available to help.

Traditional Features in v23 That Make Integration Easier

Labor Types

Originally called Phases, Labor Types now give users the capability to bid, deploy, track, and analyze labor inclusion in an SI Project.

• ​Bidding: SI users can add more than one Labor Type to any Product. Some items require attention more than once during their inclusion in a Project. This allows multi-exertion aspects to be applied and viewed at the Product level.
• ​Deployment: Teams can source the individual Labor Type present on any item for their Project Tasks and access the same item on a later Task for a different Labor Type. As each Labor Type is added to successive Tasks, available ones dwindle, ensuring no duplication of effort.
• ​Tracking: Project managers can use the Labor Utilization report from SI’s Time Sheets to monitor the status of in-progress activity on Tasks. This provides real-time information related to hours worked in the field. Selecting the filter option of Approved shows actual time.
• ​Analysis: SI’s Job Cost report module provides insight into where a job is at any stage after the close. Located in the Project Explorer, the Job Cost module allows users to review labor-related data on a Project by Labor Type, with breakdowns in both hours and dollars. Multiple Projects can be loaded at once, and data can be exported. Displays include budgeted hours, actual hours, and real-time variance, helping project managers stay on top of time remaining until completion.

Proficient use of SI’s Labor Types can aid teams in many ways, ensuring that labor is not omitted, underbid, over-deployed, or unprofitable. This makes Labor Types one of SI’s most important features.

Price Adjustments

SI’s Price Adjustments can be found both in the Catalog (for all items) and at the Project level (for specific Projects).

• ​Product Price Adjustment: Uses the amount of all Products in an SI Project and combines it with an additional percentage to add a new amount to the Project. This can be renamed in SI’s Report settings for client reports. Applications include tariffs, freight, third-party commission or consulting fees, warehouse/overhead fees, or administrative considerations.
• ​Miscellaneous Parts Adjustment: Used for small parts necessary for every project but too numerous to itemize. This is a catch-all for such instances and can be renamed for client reports.
• ​Labor Adjustment: Can be used to generate a fee for a specific labor exertion, such as System Design. For example, adding 10% to the Labor Adjustment to cover engineering for the Project. This can also be relabeled for client-facing reports.

These settings can be present at the outset of a team’s SI Project creation, preset for any Project Templates, and will transfer when cloning an existing job. SI’s Price Adjustments help account for often omitted and overlooked costs beyond the bill of materials and labor.

Project Templates

Project Templates are a tool in SI that can give teams an advantage at the outset of any bid process. SI’s Project Templates allow a new Project to be pre-loaded with anything from a BOM to Labor Rates, Taxes, Price Adjustments, Packages, and more. This head-start can save time and reduce mistakes in bid creation.

Any project built can be the foundation for a template. If a project is a great example of what the team aims to deliver, it can become a Project Template. To create a template, right-click on the Project and select Create Template. Enter a name and description, and include any files from the source Project (scope of work, Visio or AutoCAD drawings, etc.). Templates can be created for specific clients or market sectors, ensuring correct values are already in place.

Using SI’s Project Templates saves time, reduces mistakes and omissions, and ensures compliance factors are met for quotes that are ready with minimal quality control.

Cloning SI Projects

The cloning mechanism for Projects saves time and increases accuracy. Right-click on any project in SI to access this feature. The resultant Project is a precise copy of the source, available for modifications for new bid requirements. This supports compliance and quality assurance for teams seeking to standardize design offerings and repeat prior successes.

Every aspect of an existing project can become part of the newly cloned one, including engineering drawings, scope of work documents, products, labor, tax settings, price adjustments, miscellaneous items, locations, and systems. Permissions can be set for access in User Groups in the SI Control Panel. Cloning SI Projects saves time, effort, and increases profitability.

---

Looking Ahead: SI v23 and Beyond

Recent years have seen significant updates and enhancements to the System Integrator platform. D-Tools is committed to bringing one of the most effective software platforms to market. SI is positioned as a strategic partner for the AV integration industry, helping navigate complex opportunities. By combining foundational aspects such as Labor Types, Price Adjustments, Project Templates, and Project Cloning, v23 empowers businesses to operate efficiently and offers flexibility to craft a custom software environment.

To experience SI v23, visit the D-Tools website to request a demonstration or explore the full range of features with the PSG training and implementation team. With v23, your business will be poised for a brighter and more profitable future.

Be sure to check back for future installments on SI’s v23 and beyond. The team is continually evaluating ways to improve and enhance the SI platform. Explore these and other features by securing time with the Professional Services Group, comprised of SI and integration industry veterans, to maximize your team’s success with the software.

For more information on these and other features of SI, see the D-Tools v23 page. Additional resources include videos and standard support documentation. More detailed information about v23 is available via upcoming webinars and SI training with the PSG team.

Remember, the D-Tools team is here to ensure your success with the product. Check back for more on v23!