XTEN-AV vs Traditional Design Tools: Which Saves More Time?

In the fast-paced world of AV system design, time is your most valuable resource. Whether you are an integrator, consultant, or AV engineer, how quickly and accurately you can design systems, generate documentation, and deliver proposals directly affects your project pipeline and bottom line. For years, professionals have relied on traditional design tools like Visio, AutoCAD, Excel, and manual PDF documents. But today, automation platforms like XTEN-AV are changing the game.

XTEN-AV is built to streamline the entire AV workflow—from system design to documentation and proposal delivery—all in one intelligent cloud-based platform. The question now is simple. Does XTEN-AV really save more time than traditional tools? And if so, how much of a difference does it make?

In this blog, we will compare XTEN-AV and traditional design methods to see which is truly more efficient for modern AV professionals.

Traditional AV Design Tools: A Time-Consuming Puzzle

Before automation, designing an AV system required juggling multiple software tools. Engineers and sales teams used a mix of:

• Visio or AutoCAD for diagrams

• Excel for bill of materials and pricing

• Word or PowerPoint for proposals

• Manufacturer websites for product specs

• Email and shared folders for team collaboration

This fragmented process made even small AV projects time-intensive. Designing one room could take several hours. Larger projects with multiple rooms or sites could take days or even weeks to complete.

Time Challenges with Traditional Tools

Here are a few key ways traditional tools slow down the AV workflow:

1. Manual Product Selection

You need to search manufacturer websites, collect specifications, and double-check compatibility. This takes time and introduces the risk of outdated or mismatched components.

2. Diagram Drawing from Scratch

Using Visio or CAD requires manual setup of signal flow charts, rack layouts, and wiring diagrams. Even small changes mean redrawing elements by hand.

3. Spreadsheet Management

Excel-based BOMs require manual entry of part numbers, quantities, pricing, and vendor details. There is no real-time sync with product data, so errors are common.

4. Document Formatting

Compiling diagrams, equipment lists, and project scopes into a presentable proposal takes additional formatting time and often results in inconsistent layouts.

5. Team Collaboration Issues

Without cloud-based tools, version control and team communication become difficult. Files are shared by email, causing confusion and delays.

Enter XTEN-AV: Designed to Save Time at Every Step

XTEN-AV solves these time-consuming challenges by combining everything you need in one platform. With automation powered by AI and cloud-based tools built for AV professionals, XTEN-AV transforms the traditional process into a streamlined, efficient workflow.

Let’s look at how XTEN-AV saves time compared to traditional tools.

1. Automated System Design with XAVIA

XTEN-AV’s AI engine, XAVIA, simplifies design by auto-selecting compatible AV components based on your project input. Instead of manually researching gear and cross-referencing specs, you just enter room details—like size, purpose, and required functionality—and XAVIA handles the rest.

Time saved: Hours on product research and configuration

2. One-Click AV Drawings

You can generate signal flow diagrams, rack layouts, and wiring drawings directly inside XTEN-AV using drag-and-drop tools. These drawings are linked to your product selection, so changes update automatically across all diagrams.

Time saved: 50 to 70 percent reduction in drawing and revisions

3. Real-Time Product Database

XTEN-AV connects to a live database of thousands of AV products from major manufacturers. Specs, images, part numbers, and compatibility information are always up to date. You never have to manually input this data again.

Time saved: 2 to 3 hours per project on data entry and accuracy checks

4. Instant Proposal Generation

With just a few clicks, you can create a polished, branded proposal that includes:

• Cover page

• Scope of work

• Equipment list with real-time pricing

• System overview diagrams

• Terms and conditions

You do not need to switch between Word, Excel, and PDF tools. Everything is done in one unified system.

Time saved: 60 to 80 percent reduction in proposal creation time

5. Built-In Collaboration

XTEN-AV is cloud-based, allowing your team to work on the same project simultaneously. Engineers, sales reps, and designers can review, comment, and update in real time. No more emailing files back and forth or managing different versions.

Time saved: Significant reduction in communication delays and revisions

6. Project Templates and Duplication

For multi-room or recurring projects, you can save room templates and clone them as needed. Whether you are designing ten classrooms or fifty conference rooms, you only need to build once.

Time saved: Up to 90 percent on repeat system designs

Real-World Example: Time Comparison

Let’s say you are creating a proposal for a 5-room AV installation.

That is a 9.5-hour time savings on just one project. Multiply that by the number of projects you handle each month, and the return on time is massive.

Other Benefits Beyond Time

While saving time is the biggest advantage, XTEN-AV also helps improve:

• Accuracy: Fewer design errors and incorrect specs

• Professionalism: Branded, consistent, and polished documents

• Client Experience: Faster response times and better presentations

• Revenue: Ability to handle more projects and proposals in less time

Conclusion: The Clear Winner

When it comes to speed, consistency, and overall efficiency, XTEN-AV clearly outperforms traditional AV design tools. Instead of managing five different applications and endless files, you work within one smart platform that automates your most time-consuming tasks.

For AV engineers, consultants, and integrators looking to save time and deliver more value to clients, the switch to XTEN-AV is not just an upgrade—it is a competitive advantage.

Try XTEN-AV today and see how much time you can save on your next AV project.

Read more: https://audiovisual.hashnode.dev/7-ways-xten-av-can-save-time-for-av-integrators