A Microsoft Visio Alternative that Works for You

So, when it comes to project management just how much time have you spent studying the options? It can feel like forever. But you know that it’s important to spend a lot of time on it because it’s important to find just the right system. This article will help you to consider Microsoft Visio and Instagantt.

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 If you’re still working out the details you may have stumbled across Microsoft Visio, and you may be wondering if it’s the right option for you. So, let’s take a look at just what you’ll get with this option, and with another great choice, Instagantt.

Why Choose Instagantt over Microsoft Visio? 

Microsoft Visio offers some good stuff. It gives you a visual display of all of your information and it lets you create quality diagrams that your entire team can keep an eye on and be a part of. It’s also good about getting you started because it has plenty of templates, diagrams and even stencils that set you up with the information that you need. From there you can customize everything. So, you’ll get:

Overview of Microsoft Visio Features:

-        Flow charts

-        Org charts

-        Floor plans

-        Brainstorming in real time

-        Network diagrams

-        Integrates with Microsoft Teams

-        Accessibility features including accessibility checker, high-contrast support, and narrator

-        Information rights management security systems

-        Available for web or desktop

 

Overview of Instagantt Features:

-        Timelines 

-        Dependencies & Milestones

-        Tasks & Subtasks

-        Drag & Drop

-        Baselines

-        Critical Path

-        Multiple Projects & Workspaces

-        Diverse Exporting Options: Excel, Image & PDF

-        Public Snapshot Sharing Options

-        Team Collaboration Options: Notification & Task Assignment

-        Custom View & Fields

-        Custom Color Options for Progress Bars

-        Risk & Priority

-        Estimated & Actual Cost

-        Gantt & Workload View

-        Ready-to-Use Templates

 

The Good About Microsoft Visio

When it comes to the benefits and the good features of Microsoft Visio there’s a lot to consider. One of the first things to look at is the array of templates that you’ll find. There are a number of different templates to choose from, which makes it easier for anyone to get started. You’ll be able to choose a template that fits what you need for your team and will then be able to customize it to work for your projects and systems. This makes it easier to get started and to continue using the system for an extended period, even as your team gets larger or you need more options and features.

Another great aspect of this platform is that you’ll be able to integrate it easily with all of your other Microsoft products. This makes it easier for your entire team to keep up on what’s going on with your projects and also to add documents and other presentations within your system. Being able to link everything together and have all the integration options really makes for a great bonus, especially since you’re probably using a lot of Microsoft products and services already. 

If you’re not quite sure about the system you will want to consider the free trial. It’s a full 30 days, which is going to give you the time you need to try out the process and see how it works for you. This gives you the opportunity to see what the features really are and whether they work for what your team needs. If it does, you can easily sign up for a standard plan and get started with all of the additional options. If it doesn’t work out for you then you don’t have to worry about anything either, because it’s easy to end your trial. 

 

The Not-So-Good About Microsoft Visio

For some, the price for Microsoft Visio can be a little bit higher than they want. That’s because this system comes in two different levels. The first of these is relatively inexpensive at only $5 per user, per month. You will need to pay for an annual commitment to get this rate or will pay an extra $1 per user, per month if you choose to pay month to month. On the other hand, the higher level plan costs $15 per user per month with an annual commitment or $18 per user per month if you pay month to month. This can be somewhat expensive and is the only way to get the full features and options. 

Another downside is the fact that, if you’re in need of support, you won’t have a lot of options. There is no chat option or phone support system. This can make it a little difficult to get help if you have questions or aren’t sure what you need to do next. If you’re looking for any advice or assistance you can check out the help guides, tutorials, and articles to get more advice. There is also a community of other users that you can reach out to or the contact form can be used to get even more support, but there is no way to get instant information.

You’ll also notice that there is no mobile app for this program. That means you won’t be able to take quite as much of the system with you when you’re on the go. You can get it online, however, which means that it’s still available when traveling. But it’s not going to be quite as easy to update or monitor as it would be with an app. For those who are frequently on the go and need a way to get all of the features possible while on the go this might not be quite the right option to choose.  

Microsoft Visio Alternative

Okay, so maybe you don’t know that Microsoft Visio is right for you. Maybe you’re still weighing out your options and you want to make sure that you’re getting off on the right track before you jump into anything. Well, that’s where you should start taking a closer look at some of the other programs that are out there, like Instagantt. This system is going to offer you a range of additional benefits that you absolutely want to take a closer look at. You’ll be very happy with what you see, including some of the benefits we’ll highlight below. 

First, Instagantt is a Gantt chart, which means you’re going to have high quality system that lets you track and record your projects in a format that really works for you. It’s going to make the entire process easier overall. You can set individual tasks for your team members, set the timelines and deadlines, even set start dates and who is responsible for what. You’ll have a great deal of information available here to store and get everyone up to date. Not to mention you’re going to have the option to set up things like dependencies and more.

With the payment structure you’re going to have benefits as well. That’s because Instagantt has a single payment structure. Individual users can pay $7 per month or larger groups pay $5 per user per month. That’s it. There are no additional costs within the system. You get all of the features and all of the options as well as unlimited projects with that one fee. There are no tiers like you find with a number of other programs and with systems like Microsoft Visio. This makes it more cost effective for users.

The rates are also very reasonable and are a great option for most companies. Even smaller companies can do well with this pay rate. Not to mention you get the opportunity to check out the system for yourself before you purchase anything. Unlike other trials this one is actually free forever. So you can set up five projects entirely free on Instagantt and you’ll have access to them for as long as you need. That’s going to make it easier for you to try before you’re ready to buy and make sure you really like everything that Instagantt has to offer.

If you don’t have quite all of the features that you’re looking for you can integrate some of your additional favorite programs right into your Instagantt system. This makes it even easier for you to customize the process and make sure that you’re going to have access to everything that you need or want. You also don’t have to update several different apps in order to get the same information across all of them. You’ll have access to plenty of great tools as well, that you won’t be able to find with any other system. That makes it easier for you to stay on top of everything.

When you have a lot of people using a new system it can get a little overwhelming for some, but Instagantt is actually designed to be easier to use. That’s why people of all skill levels are so easily able to adapt to the system. It doesn’t have a big learning curve, but it does have a super high quality array of options to it. That way everyone on your team will be able to start using Instagantt quickly and without the hassle of other programs.

If you’re looking for ways that you can track anything and everything in your business this is the way to do it. You can track every aspect of your projects here. Whether you have only individual projects or only team projects or any combination of the two Instagantt can help. Plus, it lets you set up projects with teams of different sizes, including small teams and supersized ones. That way you can achieve anything your team needs to be successful and you can keep everyone aware of what they need to be working on and when. 

The fact that the entire platform is highly customizable and has plenty of features also makes it a great choice for most. You can choose things like colors and design and even swap out different styles of charts to make it really work for you. The idea is to make sure that your team is getting everything that they need in order to be successful, after all, so make sure you’re doing what you can to help them by selecting a platform that makes it as easy as possible. Instagantt will let you make adjustments, edits, changes, and improvements all the way throughout the process.  

Choosing What’s Best

So, what’s actually best for your team? You’ll need to make that decision for yourself but there are plenty of things to think about. First, you’ll want to look at the style of the charts that you’re going to be creating and whether that’s going to work for you and your team. You also want to look at things like price, integrations, customization, and more. All of this information is going to be important in creating the perfect system for your team and making sure that everyone stays on the same page throughout the implementation process.

You’ll definitely be more than happy with the results of your new system if you take the time to choose wisely. Microsoft Visio has a number of great features and options and for those who are often working from a settled location it may be a good way to go. On the other hand, Instagantt offers a great deal of flexibility and features that you’re not going to find otherwise. The important thing is to think about the most important features for you and your team and choose a platform that will provide them. You’ll definitely be more than happy with the results along the way. 

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