Xtenav and DTools cloud based software provide leading solutions for AV system design and configuration. When used together, they enable AV professionals to optimize their design process through seamless integration between CAD tools and control system programming. This blog post will explore how integrating Xtenav and DTools can streamline AV system design workflows.
DTools Cloud: Enabling Real-time Collaboration
DTools cloud-based software allows teams to work together in real-time on AV system designs. Designers and programmers can access the latest project files from any internet-connected device. This enables frictionless collaboration between on-site installers and off-site engineers. Changes made in the “d tools cloud” are automatically synced, so everyone has visibility of the most up-to-date design. Remote troubleshooting is also possible through virtual connectivity. Overall, DTools’ cloud platform facilitates collaborative and efficient design processes.
CAD Design with Xtenav
Xtenav is a full-featured CAD software tailored specifically for AV systems. It allows users to visually design room layouts, cable paths and equipment placements. Components from all major manufacturers are included in the software’s extensive product library for drag-and-drop inclusion in designs. Xtenav offers automated insertion of devices, wires and mounting hardware to streamline complex installations. Design rules ensure regulatory and best practice compliance. Equipment schedules, bill of materials and other documentation can be automatically generated from Xtenav designs.
Connecting Xtenav and DTools
The open API of both Xtenav and DTools allows for direct two-way integration between the software packages. Design data such as device locations, inputs/outputs and wire connections modeled in Xtenav can be automatically exported to DTools for control programming. Conversely, any subsequent changes made to the control programming in DTools are recognised in Xtenav through live updates.
This bi-directional data exchange eliminates time-consuming manual re-entry of design information between the CAD and control platforms. Engineers gain the ability to seamlessly toggle between visual and logical views of the same system design. Installers in the field can consult up-to-date as-built CAD drawings generated from DTools for reference during integration.
Simplified Control Programming
With system topology and connections predefined in Xtenav, programmers using DTools benefit from automatic generation of device addresses, custom page layouts and logic templates. Simple drag-and-drop tools allow intuitive construction of control interfaces mapped directly to equipment placements. Interactive system schematics generated within DTools offer zoomable “walking through walls” navigation of device inputs/outputs for rapid troubleshooting.
Integration with third-party control systems is also enabled through translation of DTools logic to protocols like AMX, Crestron and Extron. Changes to device configurations or building infrastructure can be non-disruptively incorporated by coordinating design revisions between the CAD and programming platforms. Overall, the Xtenav-DTools synergy streamlines control system programming while futureproofing system scalability.
Simplified Commissioning and Documentation
Commissioning is made seamless through the bi-directional workflow. Field technicians can access the latest control programming schematics, device configurations and virtual Walkthroughs of smart building systems directly on mobile apps or web interfaces connected to DTools Cloud. Dynamic as-built drawings with embedded control sequences generated from Xtenav provide clear commissioning guidance.
DTools’ integrated documentation manager automatically collates all design, programming and commissioning records into structured, referenceable project folders. Comprehensive system operation manuals and graphical user guides can be exported directly from the control schematics. Additionally, facility managers gain easy access to interactive system maps, component locations and maintenance record logs centralized within DTools Cloud long after handover.
Conclusion
In summary, integrating Xtenav CAD design software with DTools control programming platform delivers major benefits for AV systems integrators and smart building professionals. The seamless bi-directional data exchange streamlines complex design processes while ensuring design revisions are non-disruptively incorporated. Enhanced collaboration, simplified programming and frictionless commissioning using mobile apps keep projects on-schedule and on-budget. Organizations can leverage these powerful tools to deliver optimized, future-proofed and well-documented AV infrastructure. When combined with DTools’ unified data repository accessed globally via the cloud, engineering efficiency and user experience are taken to the next level.