by KMB Communications | Jan 23, 2024 | D-Tools, News, Trade Show news
ISE 2024 Stand #2L500
D-Tools’ suite of business management software continues to evolve to help systems integrators improve day-to-day business operations, streamline workflow and boost profitability.
CONCORD, CA, USA and BARCELONA, SPAIN — January 16, 2024 — D-Tools, Inc., the leading provider of core business management software catering to the needs of the systems integration market for 25 years, continues to improve and refine its suite of solutions for better business operations and productivity across all departments within an organization. These exciting new features and capabilities to D-Tools’ latest versions of its flagship on-premise System Integrator (SI) software and next-generation Cloud platform will be demonstrated to ISE 2024 attendees at Stand #2L500.
D-Tools Showcases Newest Generation of D-Tools System Integrator (SI), Version 21
At ISE 2024 D-Tools will demonstrate new features of the latest version of its award-winning System Integrator (SI) business software platform, Version 21 (v21). The enhancements to SIv21 include a suite of powerful new project management and documentation capabilities, plus quicker, easier categorization and selection of products within the SI database. SIv21 ensures the accuracy of data, enables greater scheduling precision, simplifies bulk data management, and even reduces eye strain, among other features designed to improve efficiency and profitability.
Key Features of System Integrator v21:
Enhanced Documentation and File Organization: The ability to add files or links to products, such as spec sheets and installation manuals, streamlines documentation within the D-Tools System Integrator (SI) platform. A new reporting function links these files to project files, which enables more organized, efficient management and retrieval of documentation.
Streamlined Closeout Process: The feature’s extension to closeout documents provides a streamlined process for delivering final documentation to clients. Clients receive all necessary files, contributing to customer satisfaction and project closure efficiency.
More Comfortable Visual Interface: Newly implemented is a dark mode to reduce eye strain and fatigue and improve focus, especially during prolonged periods of screen time.
Enhanced Scheduling Precision: The ability to choose specific labor types when adding items to a task enhances scheduling precision, accuracy of project timelines, better project planning, and optimization of resource allocation.
Bulk Data Management: The import/export functionality for checklists using CSV files simplifies bulk data management and ensures consistency in task execution across projects to reduce the likelihood of errors and improve the overall project quality.
Client and Vendor Merge: The ability to merge clients and vendors helps eliminate duplicate entries, ensuring data accuracy within the system and making it easier to find and work with relevant information.
Vendor-Specific Selection: The ability to filter the “Add from Product Library” by vendor partner streamlines the product selection process and helps users easily identify and choose products from their preferred partners.
D-Tools Cloud-Based Software Improves Sales Productivity and Efficiency Through Proposal Enhancements, Project Signoff, Better Search Methods and More
Now available to integrators in the United Kingdom, D-Tools Cloud, a web-based multi-OS solution, combines a powerful suite of business management tools, including several recent new additions debuting at ISE 2024. D-Tools Cloud expedites the generation and throughput of proposals, enabling integrators to close deals faster and move on to the next project. The platform’s facilitation of dynamic, engaging multimedia proposals and browser-based visual quoting enables closer collaboration with clients, leading to prompt signoff and close rates. Users can now also automatically include optional items in proposals, incorporate interactive hotspots in images, add WYSIWYG snippets to documents, and employ a new elastic search function to simplify the procurement process. Collectively, these updates, alongside UX improvements for tasks and scheduling, offer a more intuitive and effective management experience.
New Features of D-Tools Cloud:
Auto Select Optional Items in Proposals: Optional items can now be selected and populated on proposals automatically, saving time and improving accuracy.
Hotspots in Proposals: “Hotspots” can be added to images within both the gallery and portfolio sections of the proposal to highlight key areas of interest.
WYSIWYG Snippets: Blocks of text can be created and saved for future use within any WYSIWYG text editing modal.
Client Signoff: Allows service technicians to have clients sign off on work summaries for better customer engagement and project management.
Brand/Suppliers Elastic Search: Provides a simpler, more efficient way to organize and search for brands and suppliers and check the status of available products.
Quotes and Change Order Reports: Provides greater visibility and organization of change orders and delivers a cleaner, more concise presentation to customers.
Where to See D-Tools at ISE 2024
To request a live demo of SIv21 and Cloud on the show floor, email D-Tools at [email protected] and stop by ISE stand 2L500. To learn more about D-Tools software and sign up for free trials, visit www.d-tools.com.
About D-Tools
D-Tools, Inc. is a leading provider of business management software for electronics systems contractors worldwide. For more than 25 years, D-Tools’ award-winning solutions have empowered thousands of low-voltage systems integrators to streamline their business operations for greater efficiency and improved profitability. Boasting an integrated product library complete with up-to-date specifications and unique dealer-specific pricing, the D-Tools Cloud and System Integrator™ (SI) platforms enable end-to-end management of the systems integration project lifecycle. From sales and system design through installation and ongoing service, D-Tools’ purpose-built software products ensure accurate detail that directly benefits the bottom line. For more information, visit www.d-tools.com.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, [email protected]
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, [email protected]
by KMB Communications | Jan 16, 2024 | Kordz, News
Innovative patent pending new Kordz PRO SlimCat Patch Cord BeltPak packaging combines multiple patch cords in a single eco-friendly, tear-off strip for efficient transport, faster, easier handling, and leaves significantly less waste for disposal.
January 16, 2024 — One of the most tedious exercises systems technicians face when installing networks is the removal of individual patch cords from their packaging. When an average residential networking job might require dozens of patch cords, the process of freighting, storing, unboxing and carrying traditional patch cord packaging equates to an incredible amount of time, space, clean-up and waste. Kordz has solved these nagging issues and reduced the average cost per patch cord by developing a compact, eco-friendly ‘belt’ that systems technicians can easily carry and open during installation.
Debuting at ISE 2024, Stand #2F500, the Kordz PRO SlimCat Patch Cord BeltPak comprises a multipack strip of perforated, tear-off recyclable paper packs each containing a single patch cord. Each pack can be quickly torn open at one end—no knife necessary ̶ to extract the patch cord without bending it. The BeltPak comes in multiples of 5 or 10 patch cords, making it quick and easy for the systems technician to count and carry the exact amount needed for the job—no guesswork or excess to deal with.
In addition to hassle-free installation, the eco-friendly paper packaging of the BeltPak Patch Cords produces less waste for disposal and is 100% recyclable—even the cable ties are made of paper. Plus, the patent pending BeltPak design cuts shipping volume and costs significantly less. All things considered, the Kordz PRO SlimCat Patch Cord BeltPak delivers systems technicians incredible value on top of all the popular performance features of the PRO SlimCat line, such as the ’snap-proof’ connector.
“As former integrators, we understand the tedium and labour involved in cutting dozens, if not hundreds, of individual patch cord packages before installation can even begin. It’s a task nobody enjoys, slows down a project, and can put the integrity of the patch cord at risk,” says Kordz managing director, James Chen. “The foundational aim of our business at Kordz has always been to make integrators’ jobs easier and more profitable. BeltPak is one more way we are delivering on this promise. A simple change in packaging design can make a huge difference to an integrator’s business while meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly, time-saving and cost-efficient tech solutions.”
Where to See Kordz at ISE 2024
To see Kordz’ new installation- and eco-friendly PRO SlimCat Patch Cord BeltPak and learn how this revolutionary packaging design can reduce labour, cost and waste, please visit Stand #2F500. Here, Kordz will also introduce a number of new market-first connectivity products to its broad range of professional-grade cabling lines and host its popular Termination Challenge throughout the show. To explore the entire Kordz portfolio of premium professional-grade cabling, connectors, and other connectivity solutions, please visit www.kordz.com.
About Kordz
Kordz’s professional-grade connectivity products are designed, engineered and constructed to enable industry partners to focus on the big picture, not the little hurdles. The company’s extensive line of robust, fast and effective cabling and networking components deliver the seamless interoperability and digital experiences today’s tech-savvy end-users expect and dramatically simplify deployment for systems integrators. By offering a wide range of professional cabling solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps systems integrators around the globe meet the evolving cabling requirements of a wide range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at +1-425-328-8640 or [email protected].
by KMB Communications | Nov 9, 2023 | Kordz, News
The global video game market is projected to skyrocket to $321 billion by 2026, according to a report by PwC. Advances in technology and growing consumer demand certainly contribute to the upward trajectory, further fueled by the role gaming played during the pandemic as a means of social connection. Gaming is no longer just an entertaining pastime; it’s a social conduit for many people. Society has embraced this new mode of engagement and interaction, driving the need for increasingly sophisticated mobile, tabletop, and Internet-based gaming platforms—many of which debut at the leading gaming event, PAX (Penny Arcade Expo). Held several times during the year around the globe, it’s the place where gaming and eSports enthusiasts gather to discover the next big thing. For ASUS, a prominent global developer of gaming components and regular PAX Aus exhibitor, that “thing” was a Kordz PRO SlimCat Cat6 Network Cable system.
Driving Brand Awareness and User Engagement Through Reliable Gaming Connectivity
During the PAX Aus event in Melbourne, Australia in October 2023, ASUS demonstrated a wide variety of gaming products and systems, including an eSports stage and PC stations where visitors could engage in multi-player competition. This particular show drew more than 70,000 attendees, so ASUS needed to crush it. “Our goal was to drive brand awareness and end-user engagement,” says ASUS marketing specialist, Ross Adcock. This would require reliable, stable connections of high-performance routers and gaming stations; Kordz PRO SlimCat Cat6 Network Cable and complementary PRO SlimCat Patch Cords were the perfect solutions.
Combating Signal Interference Via Strong Physical Connections
“Signal interference is pervasive at large, busy shows like PAX, so we knew connecting our PC gaming stations via Wi-Fi was out of the question,” relates Adcock. “Stable physical connections via Cat6 cabling were our only alternatives at a show of this size and calibre and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on PRO SlimCat Cable and PRO SlimCat Patch Cords from Kordz prior to our booth build.” Kordz PRO SlimCat Patch Cords come in a variety of different lengths, so ASUS had exactly what they needed to lay a neat, tidy, well-organised networking foundation.
Color-Coded Cabling Maintains Network Structure and Order
ASUS technicians quickly picked up on key differences between Kordz SlimCat and other brands of Cat6 cables. “It was noticeably more flexible, so we could snake it in places that otherwise might have been difficult or impossible. The durability of the patch cords was unmistakable, as well,” says Adcock. The unique color-coding of the SlimCat cables was another defining feature. “We were able to assign a specific cable color to each area of our booth and group of equipment, Adcock continues. This would help the ASUS team quickly add to or relocate equipment on the network if need be. “The whole process of designing and deploying a solid, reliable network was seamless and set the groundwork for a very successful show,” Adcock says.
The color coding of the Kordz PRO SlimCat Cable and PRO SlimCat Patch Cords also provides ASUS with simple network documentation, which they can follow for upcoming events. “We had such a good experience installing Kordz SlimCat cables, we plan to use them again for our exhibit at the South by Southwest (SXSW), Sydney, festival,” Adcock remarks.
Unleashing Competitive Spirit Via Latency-Free Gaming
The stability and reliability of the Kordz SlimCat connections translated into glitch-free demonstrations and immersive gaming sessions throughout the event. “Signal latency is a huge turn-off when gaming,” Adcock relates, especially during intense, action-packed scenes. Robust and able to support lightning-quick 1Gbps signal transmission, the Kordz PRO SlimCat Cat6 Network Cable and PRO Series Patch Cords prevented this from ever happening, Adcock reports. “Our customers were engaged and impressed with our brands, and we discovered a new go-to networking system for our future trade shows.”
Game on!
To learn more about the benefits of utilizing Kordz cables to achieve the most immersive and glitch-free gaming sessions, contact us via the Kordz website.
About Kordz
Kordz’ professional-grade products are designed, engineered, and constructed to enable industry partners to focus on the big picture, not the little hurdles. The company’s extensive line of robust, fast, and effective cabling and networking components deliver the seamless interoperability and digital experiences today’s tech-savvy end-users expect and dramatically simplify deployment for systems integrators. By offering a wide range of professional cabling solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps systems integrators around the globe meet the evolving cabling requirements of a wide range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at +1-425-328-8640 or [email protected]
by KMB Communications | Oct 27, 2023 | Kordz
Kordz helps integrators identify the best quality cable for the job in ‘Seven Little Known Signs of Quality Category Cable’.
October 27, 2023 – How can you tell if a cable is of high quality or if it suffers from mediocrity? Are there certain attributes that make a difference in the way a cable performs and installs or are they all basically the same? How can you be sure that the materials and technology beneath the cable jacket are up for the challenges of reliable connectivity and lightning-quick data transmission required by today’s increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications?
To help integrators zero in on the best category cable, Kordz offers ‘Seven Little Known Signs of Quality Category Cable’. This free guide, written for dealers and integrators by Kordz’ resident cabling experts, unravels the hidden truth beneath the cabling jacket. Everything from the construction and materials of the cable to the performance specs and manufacturer’s expertise matters and can make the difference between an installation that’s just okay and one that’s truly impressive.
“Category cables are the unsung heroes of modern living that enable our emails to fly across the globe and our favorite cat videos to stream seamlessly. Yet, here’s the thing: not all category cables are created equal,” says James Chen, Kordz Managing Director. “Inside each cable, a whole world of construction, materials, engineering, and production methodologies comes into play. It’s therefore vital that integrators choose wisely, and our guide points them in the right direction.”
‘Seven Little Known Signs of Quality Category Cable’ identifies seven key attributes to look for to ensure that the internal foundation of a home or business is reliable, stable, and stands the test of time. Informative, easily digestible, and revealing, this comprehensive guide is a must-read for dealers who want to elevate their networking knowledge and expertise, choose the right cable for the job, and save money in return.
For more information about Kordz, its comprehensive line of networking products, and range of resources available to integrators, please visit www.kordz.com.
About Kordz
Kordz’ professional-grade products are designed, engineered, and constructed to enable industry partners to focus on the big picture, not the little hurdles. The company’s extensive line of robust, fast, and effective cabling and networking components deliver the seamless interoperability and digital experiences today’s tech-savvy end-users expect and dramatically simplify deployment for systems integrators. By offering a wide range of professional cabling solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps systems integrators around the globe meet the evolving cabling requirements of a wide range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at +1-425-328-8640 or [email protected]
by KMB Communications | Oct 25, 2023 | News
Designed to pair with short- and ultra-short-throw projectors, SI’s new Short Throw Lift is a functional solution for rooms lacking space for traditional projection systems.
AUSTIN, TX (October 25, 2023) — Fresh off the heels of numerous product introductions at CEDIA Expo 2023, Screen Innovations adds yet another motorized screen solution to its wide range of innovative assemblies and materials. The new Short Throw Lift addresses the growing need for large but discreet displays in smaller media rooms and corporate boardrooms.
Unlike traditional projection systems that require ample distance from the projector to the screen or work best in dark rooms, the pop-up laser TV sits just inches from a short-throw projector. SI has paired the Short Throw Lift with its award-winning 120-inch ambient light-rejecting screen (a 110-inch ALR screen is also available) for a complete turnkey laser TV system that combats glare from artificial and natural lighting to deliver a bright, crisp, well-defined image. Viewers can sit wherever they like—a 12-foot seating distance is recommended—without casting shadows on the screen. This makes the Short Throw Lift particularly useful for gaming, business presentations, and videoconferencing.
The Short Throw Lift also blends in with the room design. The laser TV rolls quietly and smoothly into the base of the unit and is concealed by a trap door when it’s not in use. The base can stand alone, be integrated into cabinetry, mounted to the wall, or tucked beneath the floor. Control options include a 12-volt trigger, infrared or SI’s new wireless Sub-Gig 485 RF transceiver, Pegasus.
“The big-screen experience has evolved dramatically over the past few years, transforming from a dark room where only movies are enjoyed to a multimedia experience that invites us to gather as a family and with friends to play video games, connect with others via Zoom, or simply watch TV together. People still want a big screen experience but may not have the room design for a long-throw projector,” says SI screen evangelist Blake Vackar. “Our Short Throw Lift gives integrators a great alternative to this common installation challenge. The lift is easy to integrate into any viewing environment, features our best ALR screen, and delivers stunning images up to 8K resolution.”
Integrators can pair the Short Throw Lift with an SI ALR screen their favorite short-throw or ultra-short-throw laser projector. Hidden handles enable the unit to be easily positioned according to the projector, viewing, and space requirements.
To learn more about SI’s Short Throw Lift and laser TV system, please visit https://www.screeninnovations.com/screen/short-throw-lift/
About Screen Innovations
Innovative shades & projection screens, making life beautiful, convenient & fun
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens, window coverings, and outdoor shading and screen solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of design-forward products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms Facebook @screen innovations, Twitter @SIScreens, Instagram @siscreens, and LinkedIn screen-innovations.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
