D-Tools User Conference Offers Strategies for Integration Businesses

Event focused on improving operations, sharing best practices, and examining emerging software tools.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The inaugural D-Tools User Conference (DTUC) brought together nearly 150 business leaders in the systems integration industry to discuss key challenges and opportunities. The three-day event in Atlanta centered on improving business operations, sharing best practices, and examining the software tools that drive modern integration workflows. Attendees received guidance from industry experts on topics like maximizing labor profitability, navigating the AI search revolution, shifting to a service-based model, eliminating costly miscommunications, and modernizing hiring practices.

Why it matters

The systems integration industry faces growing challenges in managing fragmented workflows across multiple software tools. The D-Tools User Conference aimed to equip integration professionals with actionable strategies to increase profitability, optimize daily operations, and prepare for upcoming market shifts.

The details

The conference featured presentations from industry consultants who provided data-driven advice on adapting to changing market conditions. Experts covered topics like assessing and improving labor profitability, capturing the surge in AI-driven search traffic, transitioning to a service-oriented business model, and implementing effective communication and hiring practices. Beyond the main stage, the event also hosted technical breakout sessions and roundtable discussions that allowed attendees to collaborate on shared operational challenges.

  • The inaugural D-Tools User Conference was held from March 8-10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

Randy Stearns

Outgoing CEO of D-Tools.

G. Paul Hess

Newly appointed CEO of D-Tools.

Matt Bernath

President of the consulting firm VITAL.

Ron Callis

CEO of One Firefly.

Joseph Kolchinsky

Founder and CEO of OneVision Resources.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When those systems don't talk to each other, workflows become fragmented.”

— G. Paul Hess, CEO, D-Tools (securitysales.com)

“Labor is a bit soft, but that actually creates opportunities for efficient, well-run integration businesses.”

— Randy Stearns, Outgoing CEO, D-Tools (securitysales.com)

The takeaway

The D-Tools User Conference provided integration businesses with valuable insights and strategies to streamline their operations, improve profitability, and prepare for the evolving technology landscape. By adopting best practices and leveraging unified software platforms, these firms can enhance their competitiveness and deliver better service to their clients.