Introduction to SI 5

This course provides an in depth tour of the Si 5 software interface to provide a frame of reference for future training courses.  A high level explanation is provided for each application element including the Si 5 Navigator, MMPD, Text and Visio interfaces.  The Si 5 tour is essential to build a base knowledge of the Si 5 application and its interfaces in order to maximize learning in subsequent modules.

Industry Training Credit

Software Setup & Configuration
This course provides an in depth review of the process for configuring D-Tools Si 5 with your company specific information.  The Setup Wizard is broken down and explained to clarify its effect on various steps of the project life cycle.  After completing this course you will have a strong knowledge of each of the setup components and how they affect your use of D-Tools Si.  The Setup process is critical to your success with D-Tools and this course provides you with the knowledge you need to successfully customize these settings for your business!  Best practices, tips and implementation techniques are included throughout the course.

Industry Training Credit

Database Entry
This course provides an in depth review of the MMPD interface as well as best practices for building your D-Tools database.   Each database field is reviewed in detail, providing insight into their use throughout the software.  Strategies for building the database are covered including manual database entry and using the product download utility as well as the CSV import utility.  The process for adding accessories and packages is introduced. 

Industry Training Credit

Database Management
This course focuses on the management aspect of the D-Tools database.  The accessory and package functionality is covered in much greater depth, providing tips and best practice strategies to make the most of these useful tools. Several database management utilities are demonstrated including various methods for updating your data.  Also covered in depth is the Administration tab of the MMPD, including tips, best practices and recommendations.

Industry Training Credit

Sales Level 1 Introduction to Sales
This course provides an in depth review of the process for creating a new D-Tools project.  The Project Setup Wizard is broken down and explained to clarify its effect on various steps of the project life cycle.  The Text interface is reviewed and the recommended methods for adding items to a project are explained.  Various tips and strategies for best practices are reviewed.  After a sample project has been created, the reporting process is broken down.  Management reports are demonstrated and explained to show their effectiveness for project analysis.  Client reports are demonstrated and explained to show the different proposal options available. 

Industry Training Credit

The Reporting Center

This course provides an in depth review of the Reporting Center interface and identification of the power contained in this useful area of the software.  Each toolbar element is reviewed and demonstrated and each option explained.  A detailed explanation and demonstration of report categories, report groups and filtering techniques to help you get more from your reports.  Creating custom report definitions and the manipulation of parameter settings for varying report output is also explained in detail. This course builds a foundation for and is a pre-requisite to the Report Designer course.

Visio Basics & Line Diagram Design
This course provides an introduction and overview to Visio and commonly used utilities when using Visio along with D-Tools.  The D-Tools specific Visio functionality is reviewed to build a foundation for the other Visio training courses in the series.  The process for the creation of a line diagram drawing is reviewed and demonstrated along with tips and best practices for getting the most from this drawing page.

Industry Training Credit

Plan View Design
This course covers the process of creating plan view documentation in Visio.  We explain the proper process for preparing CAD files for optimal insertion to Visio as well as methods for placing and working with floor plans once inserted.  Best practices and tips are provided while demonstrating the process of documenting prewire and trim devices.  Also demonstrated is the process for using D-Tools installation reports to yield useful information from your documentation, including labels and checklists. 

Industry Training Credit

Elevation View Design
This course covers the process of creating elevation documentation in Visio.  We explain and demonstrate the process for generating equipment rack elevation views.  We demonstrate the importance (and the power) of database accuracy in creation of elevations using D-Tools.  Also covered is the process for using Cabinet Tools to create dimensionally accurate cabinet elevation drawings.

Industry Training Credit

Schematic View Design
This course covers the process of creating point to point schematic drawings.  Through the creation of a schematic drawing we demonstrate best practices for page layout/ management, signal flow and best practice documentation techniques. Several techniques for creating wiring documentation are demonstrated and explained including manual hookup and use of the Wire Wizard. Also demonstrated is the process for using D-Tools installation reports to yield useful information from your documentation, including labels and checklists. 

Industry Training Credit

Using AutoCAD With D-Tools
This course provides an introduction to the D-Tools AutoCAD interface, related menu options and an overview of how D-Tools is used within AutoCAD.  An overview of each drawing page type as well as shape types and related technical details for each page will be discussed and demonstrated. The course will close with a tutorial and demonstration on customizing D-Tools CAD templates and customizing blocks to work with D-Tools.  Prior use and knowledge of AutoCAD is expected as this course is primarily focused on how to use AutoCAD with D-Tools.

Visio Customization
This course provides instruction on the process for creating custom Visio templates to use for your Visio drawings as well as the process for customizing the title frame. The next portion of the course addresses an overview of D-Tools Visio shape structures and their relationships within the shape sheet to the D-Tools database and the process for modifying Visio shapes.  This course assumes all basic knowledge of D-Tools and Visio and is an advanced level course.

Revision Management
This course provides instruction on creating and managing project revisions and using these project revisions to generate change order reports and comparisons between revisions.  The Revision Manager portion of the Business Manager is reviewed in detail as well as tips and best practices for managing project revisions.  Three change order scenarios are explored: a fully accepted change order, a fully rejected change order and a partially accepted change order.  The process for managing each is reviewed and discussed.

Scheduling
This course covers the scheduling and management features released in System Integrator 5.5. The course provides an introduction and detailed overview of the scheduling interface including the Project Schedule and Resource Calendar. We will review the process for creating and managing tasks in addition to providing a detailed overview of their use and data fields. Task level reporting will be reviewed as well as the process for using the Outlook export to create emails, Outlook appointments and Outlook tasks.

Introduction to QuickLinks Interface
This course builds familiarity and skills needed to set up and use the QuickLinks accounting interface.  The session covers configuring the link from D-Tools to QuickBooks and the process for establishing the link between the 2 programs. We review the process for setting up your specific preferences for the integration and provide insight into best practice usage. A step by step tutorial is provided on the process of turning a D-Tools Sales Order into an estimate, invoice and purchase order.  Also reviewed is the process for creating new QuickBooks items from D-Tools data as well as for linking D-Tools items to existing QuickBooks items.

Industry Training Credit

Report Designer

This course provides an in depth review of the SI5 Report Designer interface.  The Designer interface is reviewed and explained in detail.  A step by step tutorial is provided on creating a custom proposal report, using many typical modification techniques to provide a solid base of knowledge for using the Report Designer.  We review the process for creating subreports and integrating subreports into main reports. Specific topics include adding fields to reports, inserting images, modifying header and footer in reports and the process for creating combined reports using subreports.

Our Live Q&A sessions are held once every other week, usually on Wednesdays at 8 Am pacific time.  These sessions allow for our subscribers to login and get their D-Tools questions answered or get pointed in the right direction for a specific training course to address their needs.  It is very strongly recommended that you submit your questions in advance of the workshop. Questions submit in advance will be given priority on a first come first serve basis. Questions will be answered as session time permits.