With an eye towards the future, SI continues to improve and add features that our users need. Whether it's the slightest wrinkle in a specific usage scenario or an overarching enhancement that changes how users work in SI day-to-day, our team keeps pursuing what it takes to keep SI and its users "in the game" for years to come.
That said, our foundational tools remain the standard only if the platform keeps solving the problems teams actually face today. In our last look at SI v24, we stayed with the fundamentals that are well established in SI. Those are still the reasons that SI has stood the test of time, but further enhancements and improvements to the platform based on direct user feedback are what is going to lead us all into the future.
To highlight a few of these newer capabilities contributing to this effort, we’ll dive into three of SI v24’s most recent important additions.
For those of you who are ready to “get with the program” and upgrade your prior version of SI, please reach out to our Customer Success team. Moreover, for those of you who are still considering the acquisition of D-Tools SI software, please reach out to our Account Management team.
Where else would we begin such a presentation than with the feature our users have asked for the longest time?
At the center of SI v24 is the recently released multi-user project editing feature. A long-requested and much-anticipated capability that changes how integration teams work together in SI.
Now for the first time in the platform’s history, team members across sales, design, engineering, and procurement can work within the same project at the same time. Before this, projects had to be “checked” in and out from the SI server, and only one person could work in the Project Editor at a time. That exchange of the active file between the user and the server is now gone in favor of just saving the project.
This process now sends changes to the server as they happen, thus allowing everyone working on the Project to access the same current and accurate project data. The result is fewer delays, fewer version conflicts, and a shorter path from project inception to completed bid request.
The enabling of this feature is conveniently located in the Project Rules section of the SI Control Panel:
We’d be remiss if we didn’t encourage a word of caution for those who have relied upon using SI over the years in the “off-line” mode, as it is now disabled for Multi-user Editing.
Another related recent feature enhancement that contributes to this multi-user mode is the ability to arrange the items in a Project. SI users can now reorder items in the Project Editor to match how work is actually sequenced on the job. Related products stay grouped together as required, thus mitigating the risk of omitted parts and the resultant handoff between departments becomes cleaner.
Going forward, as projects are built by more than one person at a time, any platform that still forces teams to wait their turn will no longer be desired.
Available now as a native application for iOS and Android, the SI Mobile Install App gives technicians real-time access to service orders, tasks, schedules, site documentation, and project details directly from their mobile devices.
While not replacing the existing browser-based version, MI is now available across multiple platforms and devices.
For those not entirely familiar with MI, it is the field side of SI. Technicians can stay in-touch, productive, connected, and mobilized from anywhere. This now works even when internet access is unavailable. Offline work syncs automatically when connectivity is restored. This is a real added benefit for those on the “app” side.
Some of the MI features include barcode scanning, photo capture, entry of site notes, logging of time sheets, and file transfers of large drawings and project media. These then give field crews what they need at the job site without unnecessary phone calls or that dreaded return trip to the office.
This matters most when the job is already in motion. Scope changes, punch lists, and aspects of commissioning all depend on the field being as current as the office. Native mobile access is what can finally bridge that gap.
Gantt export to Microsoft Project
Recent improvements to SI's Gantt View, now also help integrators coordinate more easily with outside parties.
A recently released Gantt View export to MS Project lets teams share detailed project timelines with architects, general contractors, and other collaborators who do not use SI but need critical information about the project’s deployments.
Integration firms using SI and MS Project can present professional, accurate project plans to any stakeholder without workarounds, duplicate entry, or reformatting their work.
This is the same scheduling data already living inside SI.
For teams relying on these two platforms, the synergy available here is a game-changer. Product data, project data, and now project timing all travel together. This multi-layered approach is what ultimately solidifies SI as the “go-to” platform for large-scale integrators.
Now, there is so much more we could cover here, but suffice it to say, we listed three of SI’s most recent additions that are active and viable today.
Well there it is! A brief look into aspects of D-Tools SI v24 and its recently enhanced features.
Looking Ahead: SI V24 and beyond
The last few years have seen tremendous updates and enhancements to the System Integrator platform. With each successive development and addition, d-Tools has shown itself to be fully engaged in bringing to market one of the most effective software platforms available.
Further, the updates coming in future releases reflect our commitment to addressing the real-world challenges faced by system integrators. In addition, what’s to come will not disappoint.
Ready to see more? Request a demo or connect with our PSG training and implementation team. SI is built to help your business run better — and we’re here to help you get the most out of it.
Check back for more on SI v24 and what’s coming next.
In closing…
Need hands-on help? Our Professional Services Group of SI and integration industry veterans is available here.
For more on SI v24, visit our website: D-Tools v24.
You can also find helpful videos on our YouTube channel and in our online support documentation.
For training, check out our upcoming Gold Support Webinars or enroll in SI training through our PSG team.
As always, we’re here to make sure you succeed with the platform. Check back for more on System Integrator software.