by Kyle Glass | Aug 14, 2024 | D-Tools, News
D-Tools Payments is a secure, fully embedded payment solution that offers a seamless and elegant user experience, transparent transaction fees, expedient ACH payment processing, and detailed financial reporting, all within the day-to-day workflow of D-Tools Cloud.
August 14, 2024 —D-Tools, the leading provider of core business management software catering to the needs of the systems integration market for over 25 years, today introduced D-Tools Payments, a groundbreaking payments solution for D-Tools Cloud that will transform integrators’ payment processes. D-Tools Payments is a secure, fully embedded solution designed to streamline payment processing directly within the D-Tools Cloud environment.
D-Tools Payments enhances an integrator’s workflow with a seamless, secure, and fully compliant payment system. It features an intuitive and expedient onboarding and underwriting process, transparent transaction fees, and faster time-to-cash for ACH payments. Embedded financial reporting makes it easy to reconcile payment transactions and cash deposits.
“Invoicing and collecting payments is a foundational component of any integrator’s business that is often deprioritized and can be challenging to manage,” said Randy Stearns, CEO of D-Tools. “D-Tools Payments makes it easy for D-Tools Cloud users to simplify every aspect of payment processing – from payment request to bank deposit – without leaving the D-Tools Cloud environment. D-Tools Payments is designed to elegantly support project progress payments, one-time payments, and even automated recurring payments for service and monitoring agreements, all in a manner that is fast and efficient for both you and your clients.”
Among its many features, D-Tools Payments offers:
- An intuitive and straightforward onboarding and underwriting process which enables an integrator to start processing transactions quickly without the typical red tape, complexities or delays.
- Automated issuance and collection of recurring invoices.
- Complete and clean integration with Quickbooks and other accounting solutions.
- Instant in-app notifications alert merchants to potential issues and provide actionable guidance for quick resolution.
- Embedded financial reporting provides payment status and helps integrators better manage the payment lifecycle from invoice to bank deposit from within a unified D-Tools Cloud experience.
- Transparent credit card and ACH transaction fees.
- Quick access to funds when ACH payments are taken.
- Advanced encryption and robust security protocols ensure every transaction is protected.
Integrators Respond Positively; Webinar Scheduled
Access to D-Tools Payments is available at no cost to current and new U.S.-based D-Tools Cloud subscribers. The dozens of integration firms that have adopted D-Tools Payments report having an overwhelmingly positive experience.
Blake Turner, owner of Turner’s Audio Video in South Mills, N.C., says, “The D-Tools Payment Processing has been a gamechanger for me and my business. Integrating payments directly into proposals has saved me time, and having one seamless experience for the customer has increased the quote acceptance as well. I would like to thank the D-Tools team as well… they have been there every step of the way to ensure the beta testing has gone without a hitch! I truly recommend this to any other companies looking for a new way to take payments!”
Mosey Levy, owner at Backstage AV with locations in New York and New Jersey, says he is already addicted to D-Tools Payments. “D-Tools new natively built-in payment system has been amazing for us!” says Levy. “We’ve long used D-Tools for keeping track of project payment status, but now we are able to request a payment from a client and have them pay online without any hassle. We found that it’s been significantly easier for our clients to make payments this way, and we have fewer of our clients requesting to just send us a wire or a check. For us, having everything in the D-Tools’ system makes our lives easier. One less website to check… the more that we can do inside D-Tools, the better for us.”
Bryce Morrow of Area 51 Audio Engineering and Consulting in Tucson, Ariz., adds, “The payment tool offers an intuitive experience for managing transactions, making it a breeze for us to handle billing and payments efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and feature-set have enhanced our productivity.”
“D-Tools Payments completely helps us streamline and collect customer payments more efficiently and accurately,” says Todd Forgan, owner of Modern Media based in Southlake, Texas.
Integrators can find out more about the game-changing D-Tools Payments by registering for a special D-Tools Payment webinar on Tuesday, August 20 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. The one-hour educational webcast will include a Q&A session with the D-Tools Cloud product team.
D-Tools Cloud End-to-End Capabilities Grow
D-Tools Payments joins an array of new capabilities made to D-Tools Cloud, which now includes service management, project management, intelligent visual quoting, interactive system design, change order handling, sales pipeline and CRM administration, multimedia proposals with e-sign and payment collection capabilities, in-the-field estimating, product procurement using supplier-authorized integrator-specific pricing, as well as scheduling, time tracking, and task management.
D-Tools Payments is ideal for integrators with clients on service or monitoring agreements that require monthly, quarterly or annual invoicing. It enables integrators to accelerate their cash flow by automating collection of recurring invoices. Integrators will spend less time on manual processes, like invoicing and bank deposits, and more time growing your business, secure in the knowledge that your payments are handled timely, accurately and automatically.
To find out more about D-Tools Payments, go to d-tools.com/d-tools-payments. D-Tools will be showcasing D-Tools Payments at CEDIA Expo 2024 in booth 2724 in Denver from Sept. 5-7.
About D-Tools, Inc.
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]
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by Kyle Glass | Aug 1, 2024 | Home Technology Association, News
AUGUST 1, 2024, LOS ANGELES, CA – The Home Technology Association (HTA) is excited to announce a significant update to its industry-leading Technology Budget Calculator. This powerful tool, already used by many top home technology integrators, design and build professionals, and manufacturers, helps prospective clients understand realistic installed cost budget ranges for their home technology projects. Instead of asking homeowners their budget – which often leads to uncertainty and confusion – the HTA Technology Budget Calculator provides a clear, informed starting point for discussions.
New Features and Enhancements
The newly updated HTA Technology Budget Calculator brings several key enhancements, most notably the addition of lighting fixtures. With the expert input of industry professionals Patrick Laidlaw of AiSPiRE/WAC, Mike Libman of DMF, and David Warfel of Light Can Help You, the tool now includes architectural lighting fixtures. This ensures that homeowners, architects, interior designers, and builders are aware of the advanced lighting solutions that can impact the look, feel, ambiance, and wellness of their homes. It also informs them that home technology integrators are a resource for lighting fixtures, which most are unaware of. As part of this upgrade, the HTA also created a consumer-friendly glossary of key lighting terms, accessible at this link.
“The cost of good lighting is the top question clients ask, and HTA’s updated budgeting tool provides an important first step towards real answers,” said David Warfel, founding designer at Light Can Help You. “Little matters more to clients than their budget; the new lighting section in the HTA Budget Calculator is a great tool to get the conversation started. In addition to providing budget ranges for fixtures, controls, and shades, the calculator cleverly introduces the concept of performance fixtures and advanced color technologies. This should enable better conversations from the beginning when it comes to lighting.”
Partners May Embed the HTA Budget Calculator
The following entities can embed the budget calculator on their websites with a unique embed code: HTA Certified integrators, HTA Supporting Brand members, rep firms, and related industry associations. Notably, the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) has already embedded the HTA budget calculator in the members-only knowledge section of its website.
Comprehensive Update List
- Lighting Fixtures: Provides basic information and budget ranges to start conversations on this complex topic.
- Networks / Wi-Fi Updates: Added a new “Professional” category between “Consumer-grade” and “Enterprise-grade.”
- Emphasis on Lighting and Shades: These topics have been moved near the top of the calculator.
- Emailed Reports: Improved formatting for emailed budget results.
- Embedded Calculator Color Matching: Customizable header color to match the target website’s color theme.
Benefits of the HTA Technology Budget Calculator
The HTA Technology Budget Calculator addresses several critical challenges home technology integrators and their clients face. Many prospective clients experience sticker shock due to a lack of awareness about realistic technology costs, often leading them to shop around. The HTA Technology Budget Calculator helps set realistic expectations from the start, reducing this issue. Asking clients for their budget is often uncomfortable for the client and unproductive; the HTA Technology Budget Calculator provides a more effective way to determine budget ranges through a simple, client-driven process. By prequalifying clients, the calculator saves time and reduces the need for extensive value engineering of proposals. It is also a valuable tool for architects, builders, and designers, helping them gather necessary information and provide accurate estimates to their clients. Integrators using the HTA budget calculator benefit from higher sales closing ratios and more efficient sales operations.
“From the moment the Custom Integration channel started recognizing the lighting category, the most common question from Integrators—and clients, to them-was how much does good lighting cost? This question has now been addressed simply with the Lighting Budget Calculator by HTA”, says Patrick Laidlaw, Director of Business Development-Integration at AiSPiRE & WAC Lighting. “The calculator is easy to use and informative as it defines the differences between four levels of lighting, from best to worst. Clients simply put in the percentage of their home they would like of each level, and it calculates estimated lighting cost ranges right before their eyes. It also expedites the discussions of lighting in the home as part of the technology package”.
Visit https://htacertified.org/app/home-technology-installation-budget-tool/ to see how the HTA Technology Budget Calculator works. If your company would like a branded version of this tool, please reach out to your HTA contact or send a message to https://bit.ly/contact-hta.
About the Home Technology Association
The Home Technology Association (HTA) created the first and only standard of excellence for home technology integration firms. The HTA gives the best-qualified technology integrators a prestigious certification to differentiate these exceptional firms. HTA Certification is a badge of quality, designed to help homeowners get consistently first-rate technology experiences. Homeowners, builders, architects, and interior designers that hire HTA Certified integrators have peace of mind knowing they are working with truly professional firms that have passed the HTA’s rigorous certification process, which focuses on technical competency, first-rate customer service, aftercare support, and a positive business reputation.
The Home Technology Association is also the creator of the HTA Design Partner and HTA Technology Partner programs designed to elevate the role of qualified home technology integrators as technology design consultants that trade partners should include on all their residential projects. In addition, the Home Technology Association actively collaborates with design and build trade associations such as AIBD, ASID, IDS, NAHB, NARI, and the NKBA. The HTA helps bridge the design and collaboration gap between the home technology integration industry and design and build professionals. This is accomplished via educational articles, webinars, classes, budgeting tools, technology assessment forms, a brand Resource Guide, and an integrator finder tool to help them incorporate technology into their projects easier. Learn more by visiting HTACertified.org and by following the Home Technology Association (HTA) on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & Pinterest.
HTA Media Contact
For interviews or media inquiries, please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (406) 446-1283 or emailing [email protected].
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by Kyle Glass | Jul 31, 2024 | Daisy, News
New alliance enables Daisy’s nationwide network of integration firms access to CEDIA-certified content and courses to strengthen their technical skills and business acumen and advance their careers.
Costa Mesa, Calif., July 31, 2024 – Daisy, the first national smart space installation and services company, believes in the importance of quality education and training to the success of their growing network of systems technicians and businesses. In an ongoing effort to support the professional growth and advancement of technicians, the success of its branches, and quality of customer service, Daisy has partnered with CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association) to provide Daisy technicians with easy, convenient access to licensed CEDIA content, coursework, training, and certification. All materials and instruction are available to technicians via any desktop or mobile device via Daisy’s expertly curated Learning Management System (LMS), called Pathways.
Through this convenient training forum, Daisy team members receive vital career-building, mobile, optimized instruction without being tied to a desk, a huge perk for technicians who are commonly out in the field. At the same time, Daisy partner companies are able to invest in the future of everyone on their team, not just a select few, which gives their businesses and Daisy a distinct competitive edge. “We are highly invested in supporting the career paths of our talented technicians. Equitable and accessible education is a huge difference and benefit of Daisy Pathways, says Daisy co-founder and CEO Hagan Kappler. “Since our LMS is available to all Daisy partners and their employees, everyone from junior technicians to aspiring business owners can now take advantage of CEDIA-licensed content and training that aligns with their personal experience level and professional goals.”
Kappler continues, “Our recent arrangement with CEDIA signifies our commitment to our growing network of Daisy partners. By providing easy, direct access to CEDIA’s comprehensive, industry-recognized educational programming and certifications, we’re helping lay the groundwork for long-term, successful careers in the systems integration business paired with assurance of best practices and the utmost in service for our valued clients.”
With CEDIA’s partnership, Daisy will initially offer training programs for technicians employed at each Daisy branch location, as well as further support by covering their fees associated with gaining certifications. Quarterly webinars and in-person trainings will be held to help technicians prepare for certification testing. The Pathways LMS module will evolve to also include standardized training and certification for other professions within the systems integration industry, including sales, finance, and management, and more.
“We’re thrilled to bring our quality training and certification programs to Daisy’s growing network systems integration firms. It gives us even greater ability to support integrators eager to hone their skills and advance their careers in this dynamic industry,” says CEDIA global president and CEO Daryl Friedman. “Our philosophy about the importance of quality, ongoing education aligns perfectly with Daisy’s initiatives. Together, we can help strengthen and fortify the systems integration industry with a pool of highly skilled knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals.”
Daisy plans to complement the CEDIA-related content and course with direct access via Pathways to manufacturer-specific training. “From one source, without multiple logins and accounts, Daisy team members can get all the training they need,” says Kappler.
Daisy Pathways, which has been available since May of 2024, also includes courses to help partners learn and advance in customer service, marketing, sales, leadership, project management, team and culture, and other essential roles and career paths. New content and courses are added monthly.
The availability of CEDIA training, education, and certification to Daisy team members via Pathways follows Daisy’s recent partnership with PrepTECH, a systems integration-focused staffing company. Together, Daisy and PrepTECH launched a comprehensive recruitment and training program to bring new entry-level talent into the field and provide a clear path for career advancement. The partnership with CEDIA signifies another monumental step in Daisy’s commitment to fostering professional growth and excellence in the systems integration industry.
To learn more about becoming part of Daisy’s family of integration firms, new business owners can visit daisyco.com/newteammember and existing integration firms can head to daisyco.com/joiningthedaisyteam. To learn more about CEDIA and its educational resources, go to https://cedia.org/education/.
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About Daisy
Daisy is a national smart space installation and services company that simplifies smart home and office technology to make it work and perform optimally for its users, solving one of the biggest in-home problems today and bringing more joy into the home and office. For more information on becoming a Daisy-certified technician or to register as a future business partner, franchisee, or customer, please visit daisyco.com.
About CEDIA
CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA remains founded on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. Globally, CEDIA defends the rights of technology integrators in governmental bodies, gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople, and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the smart home industry advances and draws fresh talent. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world’s largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world’s largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver home technology solutions that enrich our lives. Learn more about CEDIA at www.cedia.org.
Daisy Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (406) 446-1283 or emailing [email protected].
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by Kyle Glass | Jul 19, 2024 | Daisy, News
Marking Daisy’s eighth location, First Priority Audio strengthens Daisy’s footprint in South Florida market.
Costa Mesa, Calif., July 18, 2024 – Daisy, the first national smart space installation and services company, has established a strong presence in South Florida, one of the most vibrant markets in the systems integration industry, with the addition of a key regional player. First Priority Audio (FPA) marks Daisy’s eighth location and the continuation of a strategic initiative to provide integration firms the robust support system and other advantages of a nationally recognized brand.
This new Daisy location builds upon Daisy’s two other existing locations in South Florida: Cinema Sound Unlimited in Coral Springs and Digital Homes in Sarasota. Daisy will look to leverage the best practices of each location to provide stellar services to customers across South Florida.
FPA CEO and founder Bert Herrero joins the Daisy team while continuing to support his company’s extensive customer relationships and help with the transition. FPA executives Joel Hernandez and Stephanie Ruiz remain on board as FPA’s general managers to help grow FPA’s legacy of exceptional operations and client service. They will continue to operate from FPA’s Pompano Beach office and, as a flagship operation known for its exceptional processes, will be a strong exemplar to other Daisy franchise locations.
Adding this respected integration firm to its other South Florida operations not only strengthens Daisy’s presence in the region but also positions FPA for significant growth. Under the Daisy umbrella, FPA will benefit from a world-class branch support system including technician training and career development, significant employee healthcare and retirement benefits, sales and marketing strategies, technology and call center infrastructure and more.
FPA brings to the Daisy network a well-established reputation in the high-end luxury market, with decades of experience, strong builder relationships and impressive installations.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Daisy network, as it gives our company an even stronger edge in a very competitive market,” says Herrero. “FPA has always prided itself on providing its clientele with exceptional products and service. Daisy gives us leverage to do even better.”
Adds Hagan Kappler, CEO and co-founder of Daisy, “Partnering with Bert, Stephanie, Joel, and the rest of the FPA team reinforces our position in the South Florida market and our entire Daisy franchise network. We look forward to working with their talented technicians and other dedicated team members to deliver exceptional experiences to our clients.”
Manny Fernandez of Strategic Business Intermediaries was FPA’s broker for this transaction.
Daisy is actively recruiting technicians and sales professionals to support its growth in South Florida and throughout the nation. For more information about becoming a Daisy-certified technician or sales professional, please visit daisyco.com/industryleadingemployeeprograms.
To learn more about becoming part of Daisy’s family of integration firms, new business owners can visit daisyco.com/newteammember and existing integration firms can head to daisyco.com/joiningthedaisyteam.
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cpogfzyjyyabplft1cq8p/AKFi2xOMyO_JJHw15Q26mNI?rlkey=g0y9pm7i2wv7icgby5gf02p8s&dl=0
About Daisy
Daisy is a national smart space installation and services company that simplifies smart home and office technology to make it work and perform optimally for its users, solving one of the biggest in-home problems today and bringing more joy into the home and office. For more information on becoming a Daisy-certified technician or to register as a future business partner, or customer, please visit daisyco.com.
Daisy Media Contact
For interviews or more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (406) 446-1283 or emailing [email protected].
All brands, products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by Kyle Glass | Jul 18, 2024 | News, RoseWater Energy
The addition of Momentum Group to RoseWater Energy’s sales network ensures luxury tech integration firms in the Rocky Mountain region have access to the industry’s most complete power management solutions.
PLANTATION, FL – July 9, 2024 – RoseWater Energy, a leader in advanced, whole home power conditioning, energy management, and storage systems for luxury residences, continues to strengthen its presence in the custom installation channel with the addition of manufacturers’ sales rep firm Momentum Group, of Denver, Colorado.
A seasoned player in the residential and pro AV industry with three decades of expertise, Momentum Group has expanded its service offerings to now include power management solutions. This strategic move builds on their well-established portfolio, which already encompasses exemplary audio, video, lighting, and control system brands. The addition of RoseWater Energy to the Momentum line card is a testament to both companies’ commitment to the evolving needs of the home systems marketplace.
With RoseWater Energy as its first power partner, Momentum Group can now offer systems integrators in its Rocky Mountain territory a highly differentiated brand with indisputable benefits their affluent clientele will benefit from.
“Eager to introduce and promote our complete power management solutions to its dealer network and with a deep understanding of the luxury home market, Momentum Group will help integration pros better understand the relationship between clean, stable power and the performance and longevity of home systems,” says Joe Piccirilli, RoseWater Energy CEO and founder. “At RoseWater, our goal is to help integrators get into the power management business, scale their operations accordingly, and build revenue from this promising segment of the systems integration market. Aligning with a reputable manufacturer’s rep like Momentum Group reinforces these initiatives.”
“Momentum Group is honored to represent RoseWater Energy in the Rocky Mountain region and bring our dealers exciting new technology solutions to add to their portfolios,” says Momentum Group President Trent Mulligan. “Our mission has always been to provide integration firms with the products, support, and service they need to prosper; our new focus on power management and the addition of RoseWater Energy’s best-in-class systems represents a significant enhancement to our offerings.”
To learn more about the state of electrical power in the U.S., its impact on home technology, and solutions that clean, condition and regulate incoming electrical power to ensure optimal performance and longevity of connected devices, please visit www.rosewaterenergy.com. To learn more about and to connect with Momentum Group, go to https://momentumreps.com.
About RoseWater Energy
RoseWater Energy understands that Power is the Foundation® for any smart home. The company designs and manufactures a complete solution providing both power conditioning and consistent energy, as well as surge and lightning protection for the main power source, solar input, and standby power, along with analytics and remote monitoring in a redundant industrial-grade system made for large, high-end residences and commercial environments.
Committed to building Simply the Best® energy management system on the market, RoseWater Energy Hubs work 24/7 and are always providing clean power in any situation – including during normal grid operation as well as grid spikes, surges, brownouts, or power outages. RoseWater Hubs are built with full power conditioning functionality and zero-transfer-times between power sources. These unique features enable technology integration professionals to reduce or eliminate a plethora of unnecessary and expensive client service calls due to power issues and instead, provide peace of mind. White-glove support ensures a successful outcome. RoseWater will work with authorized integration firms to help design, build, integrate, and manage a custom Power Plan™ specific to the needs of each project. For more details visit www.rosewaterenergy.com.
RoseWater Energy Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications at (425) 328-8640 or [email protected].
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
