If you're an integrator on D-Tools today and feeling the pull of an AI-native, web-first, less expensive platform — DesignRight.ai is built for you. We're not trying to be D-Tools. We're building the platform integrators wished D-Tools had become over the past five years.
How the two platforms stack up across the integrator workflow
| Capability | DesignRight.ai | D-Tools (SI / Cloud) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud-native, browser-based Any device, any OS | Mixed SI = Windows desktop; Cloud = SaaS |
| AI estimating | Built in at every layer Architected AI-native | Add-on AI features Layered onto legacy core |
| AI takeoff from drawings | PDF, DWG, Revit, IFC Symbol + legend recognition | Manual Visio-based design |
| Live spatial design | Creative Studio Spot-and-dot, auto-BOM, auto-infra | Visio plugin (SI) Static design environment |
| Project graph (single source of truth) | Yes Move a device → BOM/install/POE update | Documents update independently Manual reconciliation required |
| Post-sale operations | Included Ops Board, Procurement, Lifecycle Tracker | Limited Pre-sale focus |
| Custom training modules (enterprise) | Yes Build company-specific training | Not available Generic documentation |
| Voice AI sidekick | Yes Hey Sidekick — context-aware | Not available — |
| RFP response workflow | RFP Center built-in Parse, qualify, respond — one platform | External tools Stitch with separate RFP software |
| Modern web UX | Yes Built 2024-2026 | Legacy interface Two decades of evolution |
| Starter pricing | $99/mo All core features included | Higher Varies by edition |
| Setup time | Hours Sign up, import, ship a quote | Days to weeks Install, train, configure |
Three patterns we hear from teams making the move
D-Tools added AI features over the last two years. DesignRight.ai was architected from day one as an AI-native platform. Every layer — intake, takeoff, estimating, proposal, post-sale — uses AI agents collaboratively. Less time clicking through screens, more time on the work that pays.
The most expensive thing about a D-Tools workflow isn't the license. It's the integrator who keeps the proposal, BOM, install schedule, and post-sale registry in sync by hand. When a camera moves, four documents need to update. DesignRight.ai's project graph makes it one update — everywhere.
D-Tools focuses on pre-sale: design, estimate, propose. Once a project is won, integrators stitch together other tools for procurement tracking, install task management, and warranty registries. DesignRight.ai ships the lifecycle tracker, Procurement rollup, and device registry as core features in every plan.
We won't pretend D-Tools doesn't have real strengths
D-Tools has 20+ years of relationships with manufacturers, deep Visio integration that experienced AV designers know cold, and a large established user base. Their catalog is mature. Their training network is extensive. Their place in the AV/security industry is earned.
If you're running a mature D-Tools workflow with a team fluent in it, the right question isn't "is DesignRight.ai better." It's "what would change if my platform did X automatically." If the answer is "nothing meaningful," don't switch. If the answer is "I'd get my weekends back" — that's why this page exists.
Bidding multi-scope jobs (CCTV + access + fire + cabling) and tired of stitching quotes from three different distributors and four different documents.
Moving from spreadsheets and Bluebeam to a unified platform without giving up the granular control your estimators rely on today.
Where the proposal margin starts at $62K and ends at $3,500 because three documents disagreed. The project graph is the fix for this exact pattern.
Post-sale operations in the same platform as pre-sale design. Ops Board, procurement, device registry, warranty tracking — none of it as a separate purchase.
Yes. DesignRight.ai is a modern, cloud-native alternative to D-Tools System Integrator built specifically for security and low-voltage integrators. It covers the same pre-sale design and proposal workflow as D-Tools, plus AI estimating, computer vision takeoff, and a unified workflow from bid through post-sale service.
Yes. Custom price books, labor books, and project history can be imported. Reach out for a guided migration walkthrough.
DesignRight.ai starts at $99/month for the Starter tier — one user, all core features (estimating, proposals, RFP Center, Creative Studio, Ops Board). The Professional tier is $399/month and includes ten team seats with unlimited AI — we price the company, not the headcount. D-Tools pricing varies by edition and tier and typically starts higher.
For most integrator workflows, yes. Creative Studio handles spatial design with auto-generated bill of material and live infrastructure derivation. Drawings can still be exported for handoff to AutoCAD or BIM tools when project requirements demand it.
Yes. DesignRight.ai offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required. Early adopters can extend the trial in exchange for product feedback.
Try DesignRight.ai free for 7 days. No credit card required.