D-Tools Alternatives with Real-Time BOM and Cost Estimation

In today’s fast-paced AV industry, time is money—literally. Whether you are designing AV systems for corporate boardrooms, educational institutions, or smart homes, having real-time access to accurate Bill of Materials and cost estimation can make or break your profitability. Traditionally, AV integrators have relied on tools like D-Tools to manage these tasks. But as technology evolves, so do the options. There are now faster, smarter, and more affordable D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators that offer real-time BOM and cost estimation features.

One name that is setting a new standard in the industry is XTEN-AV. If you are looking to streamline your workflows, minimize manual errors, and improve project budgeting, this blog will walk you through the top alternatives to D-Tools—starting with the platform that is redefining AV design and estimation.

XTEN-AV – The Future of AV Design and Estimation

XTEN-AV is a cloud-based platform built from the ground up for AV professionals. It delivers automation, intelligent design features, and most importantly, real-time BOM and cost estimation. With XTEN-AV, you can move from design to pricing within minutes, eliminating the delays and guesswork that often plague traditional workflows.

Key features of XTEN-AV

Live BOM Generation: As you design your AV system, XTEN-AV automatically creates a Bill of Materials based on the components used. This ensures accuracy and real-time updates.
Real-Time Cost Estimation: XTEN-AV pulls data from a regularly updated product database, allowing you to see exact pricing for devices, accessories, and cables as you build your project.
Custom Pricing Options: Integrators can upload their own pricing or apply distributor discounts to calculate margins in real time.
Proposal Automation: Generate client-ready proposals directly from your BOM with consistent branding and detail.
Cloud Collaboration: Your team can work on projects simultaneously from any location, with all pricing and materials synced live.

XTEN-AV is more than just a D-Tools alternative. It is a smarter way to manage AV system design and project estimation in real time. For AV firms that want accuracy, speed, and flexibility, XTEN-AV leads the pack.

D-Tools – Comprehensive but Costly

D-Tools has long been the go-to software for AV system design and proposal creation. It supports BOM generation and cost estimation through its integrated database and project design tools.

Strengths of D-Tools

Robust BOM Management: Allows integrators to build detailed bills of materials linked to system drawings.
Product Library Access: Connects to extensive manufacturer data for accurate specs and pricing.
Proposal Integration: Generates detailed proposals based on BOM and labor calculations.

Limitations

Steep Learning Curve: It takes time and training to master the platform.
Cost Barriers: Licensing fees and add-ons can be expensive for smaller teams.
Not Fully Cloud-Based: D-Tools Cloud exists but lacks many of the advanced features of the desktop version.

D-Tools is still a strong platform, but its complexity and price point often drive users to look for newer, more agile tools. That is why many firms are actively searching for D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators that can deliver similar outcomes with less hassle.

Jetbuilt – Fast and Simple AV Quoting

Jetbuilt is another cloud-based platform designed primarily for AV proposals and cost estimation. It focuses on speed and simplicity rather than deep system design features.

Pros

Quick BOM and Quote Creation: Jetbuilt excels at building fast quotes with real-time pricing.
Product Database: Includes a large catalog of AV products with pricing info.
Cloud Access: Easy for remote teams to access and collaborate.

Cons

Limited Design Capabilities: Jetbuilt does not support detailed AV system schematics or rack diagrams.
Lacks AI and Automation: Everything must be added manually, which can be time-consuming.
Not Fully Integrated with Drawing Tools: Design and cost estimation are not deeply linked.

Jetbuilt works well for sales-focused teams but may not be suitable for integrators who want a more technical, engineering-driven workflow.

System Surveyor – Visual Planning with Limited Estimation

System Surveyor offers a graphical interface for planning AV systems and has gained popularity among those looking to document installations visually.

What it offers

Drag-and-Drop Planning: Good for visual layouts and system planning.
Basic BOM Creation: Can generate basic bills of materials from system designs.
Mobile Friendly: Ideal for site surveys and field work.

Drawbacks

Limited Cost Estimation Tools: Lacks real-time pricing and does not integrate deeply with supplier pricing.
Not Built for Proposals: Proposal generation is minimal or non-existent.
No AI Design Automation: Manual entry is required for most functions.

System Surveyor may work well during the planning and site survey stages, but it falls short for complete design and cost estimation workflows.

SmartDraw – Basic Diagrams Without BOM Intelligence

SmartDraw is a general-purpose diagramming tool that some AV professionals use to create visual layouts. It is not designed for the AV industry specifically but can be adapted for simple projects.

Pros

Easy Interface: Great for creating quick diagrams or rack layouts.
Low Cost: Budget-friendly licensing model.

Cons

No Real-Time BOM or Pricing: SmartDraw does not support automated BOM generation or cost estimation.
Manual Workflows: Everything must be entered by hand.
No AV Database: Lacks integration with product specs or manufacturer data.

For those who need only visuals, SmartDraw might suffice. But if you need real-time cost and material management, it is not the right tool.

Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right Tool for Real-Time Estimation

For AV integrators, the ability to create accurate BOMs and cost estimates in real time is no longer optional—it is essential. Whether you are managing one project or dozens, outdated and manual methods can hurt your bottom line.

XTEN-AV stands out as the most powerful and user-friendly option among D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators. Its automation, real-time product database, and built-in proposal engine make it the ideal choice for modern AV businesses.

D-Tools remains a solid option for firms that are already invested in its ecosystem and can afford the time and cost of onboarding. But for those seeking agility and cost efficiency, XTEN-AV delivers more value, faster.

Jetbuilt, System Surveyor, and SmartDraw each serve specific niches, but none match the all-in-one power of XTEN-AV when it comes to real-time BOM and cost estimation.

If your goal is to grow your business, impress clients, and increase efficiency, the path forward is clear—choose a platform that evolves with the AV industry. Choose XTEN-AV.