As an AV system integrator with over 20 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how the right software tools can make or break a project. Efficient, accurate system design is critical for delivering projects on-time and on-budget while meeting client expectations. That's where AV system design software like Vectorworks ConnectCAD comes in.
ConnectCAD has long been an industry standard, providing powerful CAD (computer-aided design) capabilities purpose-built for AV workflows inside the Vectorworks environment. It offers an integrated 2D/3D workspace, device data, signal flow tools, rack elevations, cable labeling, and more - a comprehensive toolset for designing and documenting AV systems.
However, ConnectCAD isn't the only option, and vectorworks connectcad fees can be a significant investment, especially for smaller firms. In this post, we'll explore some of the best alternatives to ConnectCAD, focusing on cloud-based, collaborative AV design platforms that provide robust feature sets at accessible price points.
In particular, we'll dive into XTEN-AV, an up-and-coming cloud platform that combines schematic design, automated BOMs, and one-click proposal generation into a unified, browser-based workspace. By connecting the dots between engineering, sales, and procurement, XTEN-AV offers an intriguing alternative for AV integrators looking to streamline their workflows and scale their business. Let's get started!
The AV System Design Toolbox: Key Features to Look For
When evaluating AV design software, it's important to consider the full project lifecycle and look for tools that support your team from initial concept through installation and commissioning. Here are some of the key capabilities to prioritize:
CAD & Schematic Design At the core of any AV design platform is the ability to quickly and accurately create technical drawings - floor plans, signal flow diagrams, rack elevations, etc. Look for:
- Extensive symbol libraries and manufacturer-specific devices
- Easy creation of AV schematics and room layouts
- Intelligent port mapping and device interconnects
- Cable labeling and wire list generation
- Revision tracking and change management
Bill of Materials (BOM) & Procurement The Bill of Materials is the lifeblood of an AV project, and mistakes here are costly. Your design software should make it easy to:
- Build accurate BOMs directly from your schematics/drawings
- Access detailed product data and pricing
- Validate device compatibility and flag inconsistencies
- Push BOMs to proposal and procurement workflows
Proposal Generation & Documentation Turning a conceptual design into a winning proposal is critical for sales velocity. Key features to look for:
- Automatically generated proposals from your BOM and schematics
- Branded templates with pricing tables, images, and terms
- Easy sharing and collaboration with sales teams
- Digital signatures and versioning
Team Collaboration & Access AV integration is a team sport. To keep everyone working efficiently, your design platform should support:
- Browser-based, multi-user access (no desktop software)
- Granular user permissions and access controls
- Live commenting and markup tools
- Mobile access for sales and field teams
Integrations & Extensibility No software is an island. To fit seamlessly into your existing IT ecosystem, prioritize platforms that offer:
- Pre-built integrations with your CRM, accounting, etc.
- APIs and webhooks for custom integrations
- Compatibility with industry file formats (.dwg, .pdf, .csv)
- Flexible reporting and analytics
With those key features in mind, let's take a closer look at one of the most compelling ConnectCAD alternatives on the market - XTEN-AV.
Why XTEN-AV Is the Best Alternative to Vectorworks ConnectCAD
While ConnectCAD is undoubtedly powerful, it's not the only game in town. For many AV integrators, XTEN-AV offers a compelling alternative, with a cloud-native architecture, extensive automation, and an intuitive interface that can shorten learning curves and accelerate projects. Here's why XTEN-AV stands out:
End-to-End Automation One of XTEN-AV's key differentiators is its focus on automation. The platform combines schematic design, BOM generation, and proposal workflows into a unified interface, reducing the need to manually move data between disparate tools.
Where ConnectCAD provides deep CAD functionality within Vectorworks, XTEN-AV takes a different approach, abstracting some of that complexity in favor of speed, accuracy, and proposal automation. The result is a more streamlined design process that minimizes errors and gets proposals in front of clients faster.
AI-Powered Pricing & Procurement Pricing errors during the design and proposal stages can torpedo margins and erode trust with clients. XTEN-AV solves this with its XAVIA AI engine, which syncs dealer-specific pricing across your designs, BOMs, and proposals, flagging any inconsistencies or compatibility issues.
By contrast, ConnectCAD focuses more on drawing and documentation - still critical, but it leaves the pricing and procurement piece to other tools. If accurate quoting and faster sales cycles are a priority, XTEN-AV's AI automation is a significant value-add.
Cloud Collaboration Out of the Box As a cloud-native platform, XTEN-AV is designed from the ground up for anytime, anywhere collaboration. Teams can access projects from any web browser (no desktop software required), make changes simultaneously, and share live proposal links with clients for markup and approval.
XTEN-AV also provides robust user management, with granular permissions and the ability to assign roles like sales, engineering, and procurement. This ensures everyone has access to the features they need while maintaining a secure, single source of truth across the organization.
ConnectCAD, as a Vectorworks add-on, operates in a more traditional desktop environment. While undeniably feature-rich, it may not offer the same real-time collaboration benefits for distributed teams.
Faster Schematic Design with X-DRAW For integrators who spend hours creating schematics and drawings, XTEN-AV's X-DRAW module offers a compelling alternative to traditional CAD. X-DRAW is purpose-built for AV schematics, with tools for signal flow, rack layouts, device patching, and more.
The key benefit is speed and simplicity. X-DRAW abstracts some of the complexity of a full-blown CAD environment in favor of a more streamlined, AV-centric interface. For many projects, this allows designers to create accurate schematics faster, without sacrificing detail or device data.
By contrast, ConnectCAD provides incredible depth and flexibility within Vectorworks, including true 3D modeling and BIM integration. For projects that require that level of CAD precision, ConnectCAD remains a top choice.
However, if rapid system design and iteration are your top priorities, X-DRAW's simplified, AV-focused toolset can be a significant time-saver. It's a compelling option for integrators who want to create detailed schematics without the learning curve of a full-fledged CAD suite.
Extensive Product Library & Data Management Accurate, up-to-date product data is the foundation of any successful AV design. XTEN-AV addresses this with a centralized, managed product library that spans millions of devices from top manufacturers.
For each component, XTEN-AV maintains detailed specs, pricing, and compatibility data, surfaced directly inside the schematic design environment. This allows designers to make informed device selections and ensures that BOMs and proposals always reflect the latest product information.
XTEN-AV also provides tools for integrators to add their own components and pricing, with support for data import and custom properties. This flexibility is key for firms who need to standardize on a specific subset of brands and models across their projects.
While ConnectCAD also supports device libraries and data management within Vectorworks, XTEN-AV's cloud-based approach provides some unique advantages, including the ability to update product data in real-time and share those updates across the entire organization.
Proposal Automation with x.doc Perhaps the most significant difference between XTEN-AV and ConnectCAD is the former's focus on proposal automation. XTEN-AV's x.doc module uses the data from your schematics and BOMs to automatically generate client-ready proposals, complete with branded formatting, pricing tables, product images, and more.
For sales teams, this is a game-changer. Instead of manually translating a CAD drawing into a proposal (often in Word or InDesign), XTEN-AV does it automatically, pulling in the latest pricing and product info. This not only saves hours of effort, but also ensures accuracy and consistency across every quote.
x.doc also supports embedded proposal viewing, so clients can open and interact with the proposal right from their web browser. This includes the ability to leave comments, request changes, and even sign off with a legally binding digital signature. For integrators looking to accelerate their sales process, x.doc's automation and interactivity are a major selling point.
While ConnectCAD excels at drawing and documentation, it relies on separate proposal tools to generate client-facing quotes and contracts. If your sales process is a bottleneck, adopting an integrated, automated solution like x.doc can have an outsized impact on revenue and margins.
Flexible Pricing & Deployment Finally, it's worth touching on pricing and deployment. As a cloud-based subscription, XTEN-AV offers a few key advantages over traditional desktop licensing:
- Predictable, per-user monthly pricing (vs. large upfront license costs)
- Easy scalability and deployment across teams/offices
- Always up-to-date, with new features added regularly
- No need for expensive, high-powered hardware
XTEN-AV subscriptions are also all-inclusive, with access to the platform's full feature set, including schematic design, BOM management, proposal automation, and more. This can provide significant cost savings compared to purchasing separate Vectorworks and ConnectCAD licenses, plus any third-party proposal or procurement tools.
However, it's worth noting that for firms heavily invested in Vectorworks as their primary CAD environment, ConnectCAD's deep integration and 3D modeling capabilities may justify the added investment. As with any software decision, it's important to evaluate your specific needs and budget constraints.
User Stories & Case Studies
To further illustrate the benefits of XTEN-AV, let's look at a few real-world case studies from AV integrators who have made the switch:
Case Study: Streamlined Design & Procurement
"Before XTEN-AV, our design process was a mess. We had one team in Vectorworks, another in Excel managing BOMs, and a third building proposals in InDesign. Errors were constantly slipping through, and it was taking us weeks to get quotes out the door.
With XTEN-AV, everything is connected. Our designers create schematics in X-DRAW, and those designs automatically sync to our BOMs and proposals. If a product changes, that update ripples through the entire project. It's saved us countless hours and helped us win more jobs."
- John D., Lead Designer, AV Integrator
Case Study: Winning More Deals with Faster, More Accurate Proposals
"In the past, we'd spend days or even weeks going back and forth with clients on proposals. There were always errors and miscommunications, and we lost deals because we couldn't turn around revisions fast enough.
XTEN-AV's x.doc has completely transformed our sales process. We can create beautiful, accurate proposals in minutes, and clients can review and sign off right from their web browser. Our close rates have improved, and we're able to take on more projects without adding more sales staff."
- Sarah R., Sales Manager, AV Integration Firm
Case Study: Simplifying Multi-Team Collaboration
"We have design and sales teams spread across multiple offices, which made collaboration a nightmare. We were constantly emailing files back and forth and struggling to keep everyone on the same page.
With XTEN-AV, we finally have a single source of truth. Everyone works from the same cloud-based project, with changes synced in real-time. We can control access permissions, so the right people have the right info at the right time. It's made us so much more efficient and effective as an organization."
- Michael T., Project Manager, National AV Integrator
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up, let's address some of the most common questions AV professionals have about XTEN-AV and its capabilities:
What kind of learning curve can I expect with XTEN-AV? While any new software involves some ramp-up time, XTEN-AV is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Most users can be up and running within a day or two, and the platform provides extensive documentation and training resources.
How does XTEN-AV handle large, complex projects? XTEN-AV is built to scale, with support for multi-user collaboration and granular access controls. The platform's cloud architecture ensures fast performance even on large projects, and features like device tagging and intelligent search make it easy to navigate complex designs.
Can I import my existing Vectorworks or AutoCAD drawings into XTEN-AV? Yes, XTEN-AV supports a variety of industry-standard file formats, including .dwg, .pdf, and .csv. You can import existing drawings and schematics to use as a starting point for your XTEN-AV projects.
What kind of pricing and subscription options does XTEN-AV offer? XTEN-AV offers a range of subscription tiers to fit different team sizes and needs, with transparent per-user pricing. The company also offers a free trial period so you can evaluate the platform risk-free.
How secure is my data in XTEN-AV? XTEN-AV takes data security seriously, with encrypted data storage, regular backups, and strict access controls. The platform is hosted on world-class cloud infrastructure with multiple redundancies to ensure reliability and uptime.
What kind of customer support and training does XTEN-AV provide? XTEN-AV offers a range of support options, including email, phone, and live chat. The company also provides extensive online documentation, video tutorials, and regular live training webinars to help users get the most out of the platform.
Conclusion
For AV integrators seeking a powerful, user-friendly alternative to Vectorworks ConnectCAD, XTEN-AV is a compelling option. With its cloud-based architecture, extensive automation, and intuitive interface, XTEN-AV can help streamline your design process, accelerate sales, and improve collaboration across your entire organization.
While ConnectCAD remains an industry leader for deep CAD integration and 3D modeling within Vectorworks, XTEN-AV's focus on simplicity, automation, and proposal generation makes it a better fit for firms looking to optimize their end-to-end workflow and scale their business.
If you're interested in exploring XTEN-AV for your firm, I encourage you to sign up for a free trial and see the benefits firsthand. With transparent pricing, extensive training resources, and a robust feature set, XTEN-AV is well positioned to become the go-to AV design software for integrators of all sizes.