PDQ launches AI-assisted package builder for IT teams

PDQ has launched an AI-assisted package builder for IT teams creating custom deployment packages. The feature is available in early access across the company's Basic, Plus and Premium plans.

The tool lets administrators describe a software deployment task in plain English, then produces a draft package with scripts, steps and parameters for review. It is designed to handle the routine work involved in preparing software and tool updates for distribution across organisations.

Package creation is a common task for system administrators, particularly when software falls outside standard libraries and requires manual handling of dependencies, installer switches or environment-specific steps. PDQ says 86% of administrators using its products have at least one custom package for niche software, proprietary applications, custom scripts or other tools not included in its existing Package Library.

The assistant is intended to keep that work inside PDQ's deployment environment, rather than sending administrators to external documentation, online forums or separate AI tools. Users can edit the draft package before applying it, and the feature does not automatically deploy software or execute changes on its own.

PDQ's existing Package Library includes more than 750 software packages that are scanned, tested and configured for silent deployment. The new assistant is meant to address software that often comes with undocumented installation parameters or other setup requirements that are harder to standardise.

Early access

The assistant is being offered in early access and is free to use during that period. AI credit amounts will vary by plan, and users can opt out through the settings menu.

PDQ described the release as an initial step in a broader move towards AI-assisted workflows in its products. The feature is designed to support administrators, not replace review and validation by IT staff.

Mark Littlefield, Vice President of Product at PDQ, outlined the problem the tool is meant to address.

"IT teams are expected to move quickly, but package creation still requires a lot of time, testing, and specialized knowledge," said Mark Littlefield, Vice President of Product at PDQ. "Package builder assistant is designed to help admins get to a working draft faster without giving up the review and control they need before anything reaches their environment."

Admin workflow

PDQ says the assistant helps create package drafts by researching software requirements, generating package steps and scripts, validating package structure and presenting recommendations for administrator review. Final approval remains with the user.

That emphasis reflects a wider pattern in IT management software, where suppliers are adding AI tools to simplify repetitive administrative work while retaining human oversight for deployment and security decisions. In practice, packaging work can involve repeated testing and troubleshooting, especially when software vendors do not provide clear guidance for silent installs or unattended roll-outs.

PDQ develops endpoint management tools for patching, deployment, vulnerability management and endpoint administration across Windows and macOS devices. Founded in 2001, the company says it serves more than 33,000 customers, including system administrators, managed service providers and other IT teams.

For customers already relying on custom deployment workflows, the new assistant targets one of the more labour-intensive parts of systems administration: translating a deployment request into a structured package that can be reviewed, modified and used within an existing management process.

Administrators remain responsible for reviewing, validating, modifying and approving packages before use.