In the evolving world of audio visual system integration, design workflows are no longer what they used to be. Gone are the days when AV professionals relied solely on desktop-based CAD tools for drafting, documenting, and delivering system designs. As projects become more complex and timelines shrink, the need for intelligent, collaborative, and real-time solutions is more pressing than ever. That is where XTEN-AV steps in, redefining AV design workflows with a cloud-native, automation-powered platform that surpasses traditional CAD methods in almost every way.
In this blog, we will explore how the AV design workflow with old-school CAD compares to the modern approach with cloud-native XTEN-AV. From design speed and collaboration to documentation and revision control, we will cover the most important aspects that AV professionals care about.
What Is XTEN-AV?
XTEN-AV is a cloud-based platform purpose-built for AV system designers, consultants, and integrators. It allows users to create detailed AV system schematics, rack layouts, cable schedules, single line diagrams, and proposals. Unlike traditional CAD tools, XTEN-AV uses intelligent automation, real-world product libraries, and real-time collaboration to help teams deliver projects faster and more accurately.
It is not just a drawing tool. XTEN-AV is a full-stack AV design and documentation platform designed for the way modern AV professionals work.
Old-School CAD Tools: Still Relevant but Limited
AutoCAD and similar desktop-based CAD programs have been trusted tools in the AV and engineering world for decades. They offer a high level of precision, flexibility, and drafting power. However, these tools were never designed specifically for AV workflows. They lack built-in AV logic, product intelligence, and true cloud collaboration.
In traditional workflows, AV designers would manually draw system diagrams using generic blocks, manage cable schedules in spreadsheets, and create proposals in separate platforms. The lack of integration across these tools leads to inefficiencies and errors.
Key Workflow Comparisons
Let us dive into the major differences between the old-school CAD workflow and XTEN-AV’s cloud-native approach.
1. Designing AV Schematics
CAD Workflow:
In CAD tools, AV schematics are built manually using symbols or blocks. You need to insert, align, label, and connect each component. You must also ensure scale, naming conventions, and layering are correct. There is no automation or intelligence behind the symbols.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV uses AI-assisted tools to build schematics faster. You can drag and drop real-world devices from manufacturer libraries, and the platform auto-connects them based on industry best practices. Devices are labeled automatically, and connections are validated in real time.
Winner: XTEN-AV
2. Rack Diagram Generation
CAD Workflow:
Designing rack layouts in CAD is time-consuming. Designers must manually place components, maintain spacing, and label each unit. Rear panel views and cable routing require additional effort and expertise.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV automates rack design by auto-placing selected devices into appropriate rack units. It also includes features like thermal load calculations, cable labeling, and rear-panel connectivity, all based on real product specs.
Winner: XTEN-AV
3. Cable Schedule and BOM
CAD Workflow:
Most CAD workflows require you to export design data to Excel or manually create cable schedules and bills of materials. This can lead to errors and inconsistencies when designs change.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV generates cable schedules, input-output lists, and complete BOMs automatically from your schematic. Any changes in the design instantly reflect in your documentation, saving hours of manual updates.
Winner: XTEN-AV
4. Collaboration and Real-Time Edits
CAD Workflow:
CAD files are typically stored locally or on shared drives. Collaboration involves sending versions back and forth, managing file names, and manually tracking changes. Two people cannot work on the same file simultaneously without version conflicts.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV is built for real-time collaboration. Multiple users can work on the same project at once, leave comments, assign tasks, and track revisions without the chaos of versioning. Everything lives in the cloud.
Winner: XTEN-AV
5. Revisions and Version Control
CAD Workflow:
Revisions are handled by duplicating files, naming them V1, V2, and so on. It is easy to lose track of changes, especially across multiple contributors.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV tracks every change made to a project. You can view the version history, compare edits, and roll back if needed. This brings accountability and transparency to your design process.
Winner: XTEN-AV
6. Proposal and Documentation
CAD Workflow:
Proposals must be created manually in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint using screenshots or exports from CAD drawings. This disjointed workflow adds hours of extra work and increases the chance of missing critical details.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV offers auto-generated proposals that include diagrams, product details, pricing, and cable schedules—all in one export. You can customize the template and share a professional PDF with your client instantly.
Winner: XTEN-AV
7. Learning Curve and Accessibility
CAD Workflow:
CAD tools require technical training and software installation. They are complex, and not everyone on the AV team may be able to contribute meaningfully without CAD expertise.
XTEN-AV Workflow:
XTEN-AV is user-friendly and accessible from any web browser. Its intuitive UI allows AV engineers, designers, sales teams, and project managers to collaborate with ease—even without prior CAD experience.
Winner: XTEN-AV
Final Thoughts
While old-school CAD tools remain powerful for architectural and engineering drawings, they fall short in delivering the speed, intelligence, and collaboration needed in modern AV system design. XTEN-AV is not just a CAD alternative—it is a complete workflow revolution for AV professionals.
By uniting design, documentation, collaboration, and automation into a single platform, XTEN-AV eliminates bottlenecks and empowers teams to move faster with greater accuracy. Whether you are designing a boardroom AV system, an auditorium setup, or a multi-building integration, XTEN-AV gives you the tools to succeed in today’s fast-paced project environments.
Read more: https://timessquarereporter.com/news/revit-vs-xten-av--best-tool-for-av-architectural-collaboration
Comments
0 comment