For years, D-Tools has been the software of choice for many AV integrators seeking to streamline system design, documentation, and quoting. However, as the demands of the AV industry evolve—toward faster turnarounds, smarter automation, and remote collaboration—many firms are reevaluating whether D-Tools is still the best fit for their needs. What was once considered a comprehensive solution now presents limitations in terms of flexibility, cloud access, and user experience.
Enter XTEN-AV, a next-generation AV design and documentation platform that delivers on the needs of today’s fast-moving AV teams. With features like real-time collaboration, AI-driven system design, automated proposals, and cloud-based access, XTEN-AV is proving to be one of the most practical and scalable D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators.
In this blog, we will walk through a detailed cost-benefit analysis of migrating away from D-Tools and explain how a strategic move to a modern platform like XTEN-AV can unlock measurable value across your business.
The Real Costs of Sticking with D-Tools
Before exploring the benefits of switching, it is essential to understand the hidden and visible costs of maintaining D-Tools in 2025.
1. High Licensing Costs
D-Tools typically charges a significant upfront cost along with annual maintenance fees. These expenses can become burdensome for growing or budget-conscious firms, especially those managing multiple users across locations.
2. Manual Workflows
D-Tools relies heavily on user input. From creating rack layouts to building proposals, the platform demands significant time and expertise. The more manual steps in your process, the higher your labor cost.
3. Steep Learning Curve
Training new staff on D-Tools is time-consuming. Its desktop interface and multi-step workflows can deter quick adoption, increasing ramp-up time and slowing productivity.
4. Collaboration Challenges
D-Tools is not built for cloud-native collaboration. Remote users often struggle to access files, sync changes, or work on projects simultaneously without additional infrastructure like VPNs or shared drives.
5. Version Control Risks
Multiple versions of files often circulate among teams, leading to version confusion, outdated documentation, or errors in quotes and designs.
These operational inefficiencies may not show up on a monthly invoice, but they add up over time—and they can cost you both revenue and client satisfaction.
The Cost of Migrating to XTEN-AV
Migrating to XTEN-AV does involve costs, but they are offset by faster ROI and operational savings.
1. Subscription-Based Pricing
XTEN-AV uses a transparent, cloud-based subscription model. You only pay for what you use, with no large upfront investment. Pricing scales with your team, making it easier to manage budgets.
2. Minimal Hardware or IT Setup
As a browser-based solution, XTEN-AV requires no special hardware or local installations. Your team can access it from any device with an internet connection.
3. Quick Onboarding
XTEN-AV offers in-platform tutorials, walkthroughs, and live support, reducing training time. Most users report being able to start projects within the first week of using the platform.
4. Assisted Migration
The XTEN-AV team offers support in migrating your existing workflows, templates, and design logic into the platform, minimizing downtime during the switch.
While there is an initial time investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh these short-term transition costs.
The Business Benefits of Migrating to XTEN-AV
Now let’s break down the direct and indirect gains AV firms experience after moving away from D-Tools and adopting XTEN-AV.
1. Time Savings
Design Speed:
XTEN-AV’s AI-powered engine automatically generates floor plans, rack layouts, cable schedules, and signal flows. Designers can finish tasks in a fraction of the time it took with manual tools in D-Tools.
Proposal Generation:
Proposals that used to take hours can now be completed in minutes. XTEN-AV allows one-click generation of branded, client-ready proposals with real-time pricing and product details.
Estimated Savings:
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40 to 60 percent faster design cycles
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Up to 75 percent reduction in proposal turnaround time
2. Labor Efficiency
By reducing repetitive tasks, XTEN-AV frees your team to focus on higher-value work. You may not need to hire additional designers to scale operations, as each team member becomes more productive.
Estimated Benefit:
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More projects handled per team member
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Lower project delivery costs
3. Reduced Errors and Rework
XTEN-AV auto-validates design logic, ensuring that device connections, cable types, and system configurations are correct. This reduces the likelihood of field installation issues or costly change orders.
Estimated Benefit:
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Fewer design errors
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Greater client trust and repeat business
4. Scalability and Flexibility
With cloud access, your team can work from any location. XTEN-AV’s real-time collaboration features allow multiple users to edit and manage projects simultaneously—something not possible in D-Tools without workarounds.
Estimated Benefit:
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Easier to scale to new markets or remote teams
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Improved communication between sales, engineering, and field staff
5. Faster ROI
By reducing operating costs, improving proposal win rates, and speeding up project delivery, many firms report a positive return on investment within months of switching to XTEN-AV.
Real-World Insight:
Companies who transitioned from D-Tools to XTEN-AV have reported winning more bids, improving client satisfaction, and achieving a more modern and competitive workflow.
Final Thoughts
Migrating away from D-Tools may seem like a major shift—but for AV firms that want to grow, streamline their operations, and deliver better client outcomes, it is often the smarter long-term move.
With its intelligent automation, real-time collaboration, and cloud-first architecture, XTEN-AV is not just a modern alternative—it is a business upgrade. For AV professionals evaluating D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators, XTEN-AV delivers measurable gains in cost efficiency, productivity, and project accuracy.
The cost of standing still can be higher than the cost of switching. Now is the time to assess your tools and choose a platform built for where the AV industry is heading—not where it has been. Make the move to XTEN-AV and future-proof your AV business today.
Read more: https://repurtech.com/d-tools-vs-x-draw-feature-breakdown-for-av-teams/