Organisation Charts Tools etc

[Scottish Business Owner]

Bit of a long shot here but would anyone care to share what they use for organisational charts etc. I'm looking to find a piece of software to help me but would rather not pay alot for it seeing as it will be used sparingly.

Any suggestions?

 

[Boxby]

Wallpaper
Seriously. Nothing better for planning a website on. Blank wallpaper, 8ft long, along the office wall.

 

[Employment Law Services]

Hi - PowerPoint is pretty good for creating organisational charts. You can create the structure you're looking for then easily edit/add content by simply clicking on the box you want to amend.

Using the 'SmartArt' option in MS Word 2007 also works but you're options are much more limited than in PowerPoint

 

[Gordon N]

The Draw application that comes as part of OpenOffice also has flowchart capabilities - and its free!

 

[Former Member 1]

Have to agree with the wallpaper solution. Although we sometimes use a flipchart....

When we used to teach multimedia design and implementation we found that this, or a large whiteboard, were by far the best tools; Actually having the project structure fully in view tended to keep the team focused..

I don't think you'll get a better price than Open Office.... But FWIW I've used 'Chart Pro' 1.08 for many years. You still see it from time to time in the low price software racks; shouldn't cost more than £5.

 

[johnthesearcher]

Hi

Lots of good ideas above.

I like Boxby's wallpaper concept. Good use of odd rolls etc.

I use Powerpoint a lot but also the standard white board as once you have it.....it pays for itself over and over again.

I find that if I ever need to keep something from the whiteboard to use in other applications then I simply take a digital photo of it ..... then clear the board for the next moment of 'inspiration'

John

 

[Adventurelife]

If it is for a business organasitional structure I have banned them, they cause more issues than they are worth.

If it is to work things out and display information, the white board and a pocket phone with camera does the job every time.

We have a large white board at the back of the office that tells people what is happening and needs doing on a daily basis. If they need more they can check the IT systems.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I've always used Visio for this kind of chart, and can definitely recommend it. However, if there's an Open Office solution available, I'd look at that first, especially if this is something you'll only be using occasionally. There's no point in spending hundreds of pounds on software otherwise.

Mike

 

[profitxchange]

Wall paper as a start then if you want something to publish power point, I have even used excel using text boxes and draw lines.
Couple of thoughts to minimise negative responses is to draw the diagram sideways - eg no hiararchy or upside down - the boss supports the workforce.

 

[Starshape]

I've been having a look at XMind, which is an open source mind mapping/charting app. Looks good, is free and has an option for organisation charts.

You can download it for free at XMind - Social Brainstorming and Mind Mapping.

Hope this helps.

Thomas