To choose professional diagram software for your business, determine your needs and requirements, review and compare available diagramming apps, and define your optimal working tool.
The Role of Diagram Software in Business
Business diagram software is used by top managers and analysts, project and product managers, knowledge workers, engineers and designers to visualize ideas, communicate graphically and save time.
Graphic communication uses business and engineering infographics to visualize ideas and concepts; business technology processes and workflows; organizational and production structures; time management (calendar, schedule, to-do list); decision making and problem solving; risk analysis and troubleshooting; lean manufacturing and quality management; project diagrams (phase plan, schedule, roadmap, stakeholder analysis, work breakdown structure (WBS), project network, Gantt chart, Kanban board); website, presentation, marketing and technical illustrations.
Business infographics includes diagrams and schemes; charts, graphs and plots; thematic maps; matrices and calendars; timelines and road maps; visual storytelling and non-fiction comics; sketches and illustrations of web pages and presentation slides; and many other visuals.
Engineering infographics includes technical drawings and illustrations like quantitative charts, graphs and plots; workflow or process flowcharts; computer and communication network diagrams; engineering blueprints and schematics; floor plans and architectural sketches.
Key Features to Look for in Diagram Software
Key features of professional diagram software:
- Diagramming tools
- Shape and icon libraries
- Intelligent connector lines
- Shape positioning, resizing, transformations
- Formatting (shape, fill, line, color, font)
- Grid, rules, snap, and glue tools
- Shapes arranging
- Group and lock
- Layer options
- Hand drawing
- Text editing, spelling and formatting
- Shape hyperlink and note
- Templates and samples
- Multi-page diagrams and page navigation
- Diagram types and infographics support
- Logical diagrams (flowchart and workflow, organizational chart, tree diagram, Venn diagram, network diagram, timeline, matrices, affinity diagram, bubble diagram, block and arrow diagrams, pyramid diagram, onion diagram, etc.)
- Quantitative diagrams (line chart, bar chart, pie and donut charts, scatter plot, histogram, function chart, etc.)
- Schematics (thematic maps, transit maps, seating plans, floor plans, technical drawings and sketches etc.)
- Business diagrams (management and marketing, business processes, project management, finances and accounting, quality management, etc.)
- Software development and IT diagrams (UI mockups, UML diagrams, computer network diagrams, etc.)
- Engineering diagrams (electronics and electrical circuits, chemical and process, building plans, etc.)
- Performance dashboards with external data sources (comparison, composition, correlation, frequency distribution and time series charts, as well as metrics and status indicators for monitoring performance metrics and KPIs; thematic maps for visualizing spatial data)
- Infographics (libraries of icons and shapes, templates and samples for designing infographics about business and economics, manufacturing and infrastructure, science and education, healthcare and medicine, technology and engineering, food and agriculture, sports and entertainment, etc.)
- Presentation options
- Export/import file formats
- Sharing options
Factors to Consider When Choosing Diagram Software
Choosing diagramming and process mapping software, you consider next factors:
- Usability and learning curve
- Intuitive user-friendly interface for diagram designing, viewing, presentation and sharing
- Ready-to-use icon and shape libraries, templates, samples
- Guides, manuals, FAQs, online help
- Short learning curve for quick start
- Customization and corporate style
- Advanced formatting, image insertion, and manual drawing to customize your diagram.
- Custom templates and icon libraries for corporate visual elements.
- Visual collaboration and sharing
- Team diagram exchange
- Online diagram sharing for feedback
- Pricing and licensing
- Licensing (free, premium, one-time licenses, subscriptions)
- Pricing
- Technical requirements
- Compatibility with computers and mobile devices
- Compatibility with operation systems
- Integration with cloud storage services
- Integration with internet messengers and social networks
- Integration with office and collaboration software
- Compatibility with corporate security standards.
- Browser-based web app availability.
Top Diagram Software Options
Top features of diagram software includes:
- Quantitative charts options and add-ons
- Infographics options and add-ons
- Dashboard options and add-ons
- Business process diagrams options and add-ons
- Project management diagrams options and add-ons
- Thematic maps options and add-ons
- Building plans options and add-ons
- Software development diagrams options and add-ons
- Engineering diagrams options and add-ons
- Multipage diagrams
- Presentation mode
- Integration into office or business graphic suite (Visio in Microsoft Office, Draw in LibreOffice, ConceptDraw DIAGRAM in ConceptDraw Office)
- Sharing options.
Demo and Trial Periods
Availability of demo version or trial period allows you to evaluate the diagram software before purchasing.
In conclusion
Now you know how to choose right business diagramming and process mapping software for your special requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the value of comprehensive reports and analytics should not be underestimated. They provide a wealth of data that can be used to improve the learning experience for all students. By understanding how students use the LMS, what resources they are accessing, and how they interact, educators can make informed decisions about supporting their students’ needs.