Is there fire alarm software with real-time collaboration

Designing fire alarm systems is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders including engineers, contractors, consultants, and sometimes building owners. Traditionally, designs were shared via email, PDFs, or CAD files, which often led to version conflicts, miscommunication, and delays. In today’s fast-paced construction and engineering environment, real-time collaboration has become essential to ensure that all team members can work on the same design simultaneously, make instant updates, and maintain alignment across the project.

Fire Alarm Design Software with real-time collaboration capabilities addresses these challenges. It allows teams to work together seamlessly, from initial design through installation planning, while maintaining accuracy and compliance with fire safety standards. In this blog, we explore the benefits of real-time collaborative software and why XTEN AV is a top choice for fire alarm system design.

Why real-time collaboration is important in fire alarm design

Fire alarm projects often involve multiple disciplines and require precise coordination with architectural, structural, and MEP designs. Key reasons real-time collaboration is crucial include:

Reduced errors – Working in real time ensures that everyone sees the latest design updates, reducing mistakes caused by outdated information.
Faster decision making – Engineers and contractors can make changes instantly, approve layouts, and resolve issues without waiting for email exchanges or meetings.
Improved communication – Real-time commenting, notifications, and change tracking keep all stakeholders informed.
Consistency across teams – All members access the same cloud-based design, preventing version conflicts.
Efficiency – Collaborative design accelerates the planning process and shortens project timelines.

Without real-time collaboration, fire alarm designs can become fragmented, leading to conflicts during installation, missed deadlines, and higher costs.

XTEN AV for real-time collaborative fire alarm design

XTEN AV is a cloud-based Fire Alarm Design Software that enables real-time collaboration for design teams. Its platform allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and faster workflows.

Key features of XTEN AV that support collaboration:

Cloud-based platform – All designs are stored in the cloud, accessible from any location with an internet connection. Team members no longer need to exchange files manually.
Multi-user access – Engineers, contractors, and consultants can work on the same design at the same time, with instant updates visible to all users.
Change tracking and version control – XTEN AV keeps a history of all changes, allowing teams to review updates, revert to previous versions, and track who made modifications.
Real-time commenting – Users can add comments, questions, or instructions directly on the design, making communication clear and context-specific.
Device libraries and automation – Shared access to device libraries and automated placement tools ensures that everyone uses consistent specifications and configurations.
Reports and documentation – All reports, wiring diagrams, and panel schedules are updated in real time, ensuring the latest information is always available.
Integration with BIM and CAD – Real-time collaboration extends to projects that include BIM or CAD models, allowing cross-disciplinary teams to coordinate effectively.

How to use XTEN AV for collaborative fire alarm design

Create a cloud-based project
Start by creating a new project in XTEN AV. Invite all team members, including engineers, contractors, and consultants, to access the project.
Import building plans
Upload CAD drawings, BIM files, or architectural plans. The cloud platform ensures that all team members see the same base model.
Define zones and loops
Collaboratively create fire alarm zones, loops, and circuits. Any updates made by one user are immediately visible to others.
Place devices
Team members can place detectors, notification devices, manual call points, and panels simultaneously. XTEN AV ensures automated device placement adheres to spacing and code requirements.
Check and verify circuits
Use XTEN AV’s automated verification tools to check circuit integrity, panel loads, and loop configurations. Real-time collaboration allows immediate correction of any issues.
Generate and share documentation
Wiring diagrams, risers, device schedules, and cost estimates are generated in real time and accessible to all project members. This keeps installation teams and clients informed without delay.
Review and approve changes
Team members can comment on design updates, propose modifications, and approve final layouts directly within the platform. This reduces back-and-forth communication and accelerates project completion.

Benefits of real-time collaborative Fire Alarm Design Software

Accuracy – Real-time updates prevent errors caused by outdated drawings or conflicting versions.
Time savings – Teams can work simultaneously rather than sequentially, accelerating project timelines.
Enhanced communication – Direct commenting and notifications improve clarity and decision-making.
Professional documentation – All reports, diagrams, and schedules reflect the latest design, ready for client submission and approvals.
Improved coordination – Multi-disciplinary teams can coordinate with architectural, structural, and MEP designs, reducing installation conflicts.
Scalability – Suitable for small projects, multi-floor buildings, or multi-building campuses.

Other software options

Some other tools offer limited collaboration features:

AutoCAD with cloud plugins – Allows file sharing and basic collaboration but does not provide real-time multi-user editing.
Revit with BIM 360 – Supports collaboration for MEP and building systems, but may require additional setup for fire alarm-specific devices and automated calculations.
Countfire – Provides quantity estimation and sharing but lacks real-time multi-user editing for complete designs.

XTEN AV is designed specifically for fire alarm systems, combining real-time collaboration, device management, circuit verification, and documentation in a single platform.

Conclusion

Real-time collaboration has become a necessity for modern fire alarm system design. It improves accuracy, reduces errors, enhances communication, and accelerates project completion. Fire Alarm Design Software with collaborative features allows multiple stakeholders to work on the same design simultaneously, ensuring consistent and professional results.

XTEN AV is a leading solution in this space. Its cloud-based platform, multi-user access, real-time updates, automated verification, and integrated documentation make it an ideal tool for engineers, contractors, and consultants. By leveraging XTEN AV, teams can design fire alarm systems efficiently, safely, and collaboratively, ensuring successful project delivery.