Keeping new features of the all new Douglas Cost Guides platform under wraps has been difficult! It’s time we share what’s in store. We are thrilled to share the latest developments that underscore our commitment to innovation and the evolving needs of the agricultural industry. As we move forward, our focus remains on providing you with the most comprehensive, easy to use and customizable agriculture building valuation tool available. Let’s dive in… #ExperienceDCG
CUSTOMIZATION REVOLUTION
BUILDINGS LIKE NEVER BEFORE
At DCG, we know farm buildings are as unique as the farm they are on. In the all new platform, there are several new customizable building options, allowing you to more easily and accurately define footprints and sections that best match the functional needs of your client’s farm. Whether it’s an L, T or even H shaped building, the platform will support a variety of shapes and configurations that align with real-world farm architecture. The enhanced precision and adaptability will be a game changer.
Our commitment to supporting a wide range of structures and shapes is only the beginning. This includes grain bins, hoppers and equipment with pricing feeds from esteemed Canadian manufacturers ensuring you receive the most reliable and competitive assessments. Furthermore, we’re looking forward to 2026 when we will continually introduce new and trending structures such as “shouses” (shop/house hybrids, aka barndomiuniums), a testament to our modern approach to farm building valuations.
ENHANCED DETAIL
GRANULAR ASSESSMENTS AND NEW FUNCTIONALITIES
Our updated platform will provide unparalleled granularity in assessments, options for different roof finishes, exterior wall types, floating additions and in-floor heating are the tip of the iceburg. Standardizing parameters such as eaves, walls and roof types across all buildings will make customization easier and more efficient than ever before. The introduction of automated flooring adjustments means you can specify and calculate costs for various flooring types and percentages throughout your structures, ensuring increased precision in every valuation.
Moreover, our new copy-and-paste functionality allows you to replicate sections or entire barns, then adjust parameters as needed, streamlining the valuation process.
ENSURING A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
UPDATING USER INFORMATION
We are dedicated to providing a streamlined user experience while maintaining the highest standards of security. As we prepare to transition to the new platform, we recently reached out to collect the most current user information from each group’s administrator. This effort is crucial for a seamless transition and accurate billing process.
If you are a group admin and have not yet received a request for information, please contact us at [email protected]. The deadline to submit this information is December 4, 2025.
Important Notice: Individual Workplace Emails Required
To ensure the security and integrity of the DCG platform, each user must log in using their own workplace email. Shared or general inboxes cannot be used to access the new platform.
Why Individual Accounts Are Essential: Understanding the Risks of Sharing Credentials
Sharing login credentials, poses significant security risks to any organization. It compromises accountability and opens up vulnerabilities to data breaches, regulatory fines and reputational damage. Here’s why individual accounts are critical:
- Loss of Accountability
- Amplified Impact of a Single Compromise
- Password Reuse and Poor Hygiene Become Catastrophic
- Insider Threat and Offboarding Nightmares
- Violation of Least Privilege
- Regulatory and Compliance Penalties
Recommended Practices for Administrators
• Inventory all shared accounts and transition to individual accounts
• Create Role Based Access Control in new platform
• Implement multi-factor authentication across all accounts
• Train staff: “Never ask for or share passwords — if someone needs access, create them an account with appropriate rights.”
While managing individual accounts may seem inconvenient, it is a necessary step to safeguard against potentially catastrophic risks. At DCG, we believe security is a collective responsibility and we are here to support you in this transition. To learn more about Understanding the Risks of Sharing Credentials check out the latest blog
RESIDENTIAL VALUATIONS
REMINDER
As part of our strategic focus on agricultural valuations, we will be discontinuing residential valuations as of December 31, 2025.
We encourage you to download any current residential valuations you may need beyond this date, as they will no longer update after this point. Our dedication to serving the agricultural sector to the highest standards remains unwavering.
UP NEXT
PURCHASING, PAYMENT & PEOPLE
Next month, we’ll be diving into purchasing and payment options along with the people at DCG dedicated to supporting you.
HAVE A QUESTION?
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. I don’t see any credits on my end; in fact it says 0 but we have group credits. Is this normal?
A. Yes, the credits have been allocated to the main group account, so they will not appear on your individual client profile. However, you may continue to access and use DCG valuations as a member of the main group account. If you do run into any issues, please contact your group administrator or reach out to [email protected]
Q. When will the new platform be launched?
A. The launch of the new platform is slated for early January 2026. As we get closer, we will confirm the go live date.
Q. What can I expect at launch?
A. Aside from a stellar new platform that will bring you more value in the valuation process, you can expect:
- Various training opportunities leading up to and after launch
- Continued communications and outreach in preparation for the new platform and post launch
- There will be a few ways to enter the new site at launch including: 1) Auto redirect link from the current URL and 2) Email validation and password sent via an email invite
- Support will be available through several avenues to ensure a smooth transition
Q. What do I need to do to prepare for the new platform?
A. Continue to read updates as they are released
- Reach out to your workplace administrator to ensure your credentials are up to date
- Download pdfs of residential valuations prior to December 31, 2025 you want to keep
- Sign up for or attend training sessions as they become available
- Communicate new information with your colleagues
Q. Will there be any downtime during the transition?
A. We are committed to a smooth transition with minimal disruption. While there may be situations we don’t anticipate we will communicate any unforeseen downtime as soon as we know.
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