D-Tools System Integrator v23: Inside the Latest SI Update
D-Tools System Integrator v23 introduces a multi-office feature enabling hierarchical data sharing between parent and child offices, and expands customization with up to 75 enhanced custom fields for products, labor, and packages, allowing users greater flexibility in data management and reporting.
With the summer buzz already well underway for the AV Integration industry, it's a good time to highlight some recent and important updates to the SI (System Integrator) platform designed to make life easier for users. D-Tools continues to enhance the SI user experience, focusing on features that stand out and provide the most value.
Latest Developments in SI v23
Multi-Office Feature
The multi-office feature is a long-awaited addition, now available in SI v23. This feature provides a top-down structure for teams with multiple offices, locations, or parent companies with subsidiaries. Whether setting up a new office in another city or establishing a hierarchy for existing subsidiaries, SI’s multi-office feature supports these scenarios.
To enable this feature:
- In the SI Control Panel, select the Multi-Office Data Sync section.
- Enable your parent office and set the child locations accordingly. Always verify the IP details.
- For child offices, open the same window in the child instance of SI and select Child Office.
Once the structure is established, set up Multi-Office Publications and Subscriptions:
- Publications determine what data is available from the Parent office to child locations.
- Subscriptions determine what data is available in the Child SI Server.
This enables a top-down flow of data as directed by the Parent office. The selection of the Parent office sets the stage for the SI multi-office feature mechanism.
Expanded Custom Fields
Customization is key to user success, and SI v23 expands external data storage by increasing and enhancing Custom Fields across the platform. Now, SI supports up to 75 custom fields for items such as products, labor items, and packages (up from 26 in previous versions).
Users can:
- Add data to any Custom Field in SI.
- Use data from Custom Fields in custom reports.
- Use Calculated Custom Fields to derive values from a Project’s data.
This flexibility allows dealers to use SI as a unique data and information repository for project bids, adapting to diverse needs across industries.
Partial Project Approvals
A major new feature in v23 is partial Project Approval. Users can now approve only selected items within a project, with the remaining bill of material items transferring to a Pending Change Order.
To use this feature:
- Follow the regular Project Approval path and select the new option to Approve Project Partially.
- Select the items to approve; the rest will move to a Pending Change Order.
- Filter for the appropriate group for approval by Location, System, Phase, etc.
This feature streamlines project management and is a significant breakthrough for users.
Expanded Project and Change Order Management
Many users are familiar with Project Management and Change Orders in SI, but not all are using the effective management tools available:
- Workflow Rules: Explore the Workflow Rule mechanism in the SI Control Panel. These rules can alert team members about the status of any Project or Change Order.
- Business Analytics: With proper designations (such as Project Status) added to Workflow Rule notifications, Business Analytics becomes a powerful tool for quick, high-level data about Opportunities, Projects, Change Orders, Task Work Orders, or Service Orders.
Business Analytics can be viewed in a separate window in SI, allowing users to get instant updates as data changes throughout the day. Analytic presentations can also be parked on the SI home screen for easy access to updated data.
Users can mix different types of presentations (Column, Bar, Pie, List) on the SI Home Screen for ease of data consumption. This capability helps users stay hyper-aware of even subtle data modifications in a project, with real-time data presented in an easy-to-consume format.
Looking Ahead: SI V23 and Beyond
Recent years have brought tremendous updates and enhancements to the System Integrator platform. Each development reflects D-Tools’ commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by system integrators.
D-Tools System Integrator v23 is more than just a software update—it’s a strategic partner for AV integrators navigating a complex industry landscape. By combining robust multi-office settings with seamless data synchronization, v23 empowers businesses to operate efficiently and offers the 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 utilization with the PSG training and implementation team. With v23 as your ally, 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 D-Tools team is continually evaluating ways to improve and enhance your team’s usage and experience with the SI platform. Explore these and other features by securing time with the Professional Services Group 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 resource, review support documentation, or attend upcoming webinars and training sessions.
Remember, the D-Tools team is here to ensure your success with the product. Check back next time for more on v23!
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D-Tools System Integrator is an end-to-end software solution used by nearly 7,000 companies that streamlines low-voltage system integration projects by managing sales, estimating, design, documentation, procurement, project management, installation, and service through features like an integrated product library, client opportunity tracking, mobile quoting, detailed estimates, professional proposals with eSignatures, and powerful engineering drawing capabilities.