Org Chart

Table of Contents

Org Chart Software

What is Org Chart Software?

Org chart software allows users to create visual representations of an organization’s hierarchy, structure, and relationships between its employees or departments. The software is designed to make it easy for businesses, non-profits, or other organizations to create, edit, and share org charts. 

The primary purpose of org chart software is to provide a visual representation of an organization’s structure, which can be helpful in various ways, including identifying areas of redundancy, evaluating communication channels, and helping new employees understand the organizational hierarchy.

Types of Org Chart Software

Desktop Org Chart Software   

These are traditional software applications installed on a computer system. They allow users to create and manage organizational charts locally on their computers. Some examples of desktop org chart software include OrgPlus, OrgChart Professional, and Lucidchart.

Online Org Chart Software

These web-based applications enable users to create and manage org charts through a web browser. Online org chart software typically offers collaboration features and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Some examples of online org chart software include Pingboard, OrgWeaver, and OrgChartNow.

Cloud-Based Organization Chart Software

Cloud-based org chart software, also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), is accessed online, and users do not need to install any software locally on their computers. They offer the benefits of online org chart software but with the added advantage of storing data and collaborating with team members in the cloud. Examples of cloud-based org chart software include OrgChartPlus, OrgChartHub, and SmartDraw.

Mobile Org Chart App

These mobile applications are designed for iOS and Android devices that allow users to create and manage org charts. They typically offer fewer features than desktop and online org chart software but are convenient for those who need to access org charts on their mobile devices. Examples of mobile org chart apps include Organimi, OrgChartPro, and OrgChart for iPad.

Open-Source Org Chart Software

These org chart software applications are freely available for download and modification by anyone. Open-source org chart software allows users to customize it to meet their needs. Examples of open-source org chart software include Visual Understanding Environment (VUE), LibreOffice Draw, and yEd Graph Editor.

Benefits of Org Chart Software

Organizational chart software has several advantages over manual methods of creating org charts. Here are some benefits of using org chart software:

Time-Saving 

Creating an org chart manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. With org chart software, you can quickly create and update org charts, saving time and effort.

Simple To Use 

Organization chart software is uncomplicated and doesn’t call for any special knowledge or instruction. The majority of software includes drag-and-drop capabilities, which make it simple to add, remove, or move locations within the chart.

Real-Time Collaboration 

By using org charts, real-time collaboration is made feasible. When numerous people collaborate on the same chart at once, it is simple to exchange ideas and critique.

Customization 

The org chart software offers several customization options that let you modify the chart to meet your needs. You can alter the appearance, update the layout, and add images to adhere to your company’s branding.

Integration 

Organization chart software can be combined with other business programmes, including HR management, payroll, and applicant tracking systems. This makes it simple to share data across several platforms and maintain the accuracy of your organizational chart.

Scalability 

As your organization grows so does your org chart. Org chart software allows you to quickly add new positions and departments, making it easy to scale your organization without requiring manual updates.

 

Org Chart Software Features

Feature Description
Org chart creation The ability to create and design organizational charts that depict the hierarchy of a company or organization. Users can add, remove, and edit positions and relationships to build a visual representation of their company’s structure.
Drag-and-drop functionality Allows users to quickly move and rearrange positions within the organization chart by dragging and dropping them.
Collaboration tools Features that facilitate collaboration among team members include sharing org charts with others, commenting on specific positions or relationships, and collaborating on edits and updates.
Customization options The ability to customize the look and feel of an org chart, including changing the colors, fonts, and styles used.
Data import/export The ability to import and export data from other sources, such as Excel spreadsheets or HR systems, to automatically populate an org chart or update it with new information.
Role-based permissions The ability to set permissions and access levels based on user roles, ensuring that only authorized users can view or edit sensitive information in the org chart.
Analytics and reporting tools Provide insights into the company’s structure and hierarchy, including headcount by department, diversity metrics, and other data points that help leaders make informed decisions about their organization.
Mobile compatibility Org charts can be accessed and modified from mobile devices, enabling users to work on the move and keep up with changes made by their team.
Integration with other tools The capacity to integrate with other corporate software and tools, such as communication platforms, project management tools, and HR systems, to simplify processes and enhance teamwork.

The Cost of Org Chart Software

The cost and range of the org chart software varies widely depending on a number of things such as requested features, functionality, and level of customization. Generally, there are two pricing models for org chart software: subscription-based and perpetual licensing.

Subscription-Based

Subscription-based pricing typically charges a monthly or annual fee per user or organization. This pricing model is commonly used for cloud-based org chart software, where the software is hosted on the provider’s servers and accessed via the Internet. Subscription-based pricing can range from a few dollars per user per month for basic functionality to several hundred dollars per month for advanced features and enterprise-level support.

Perpetual Licensing

On the other hand, perpetual licensing involves a one-time payment for a software license that is owned indefinitely. This pricing model is more common for on-premise org chart software, where the software is installed on a company’s servers or computers.  Depending on the features and level of customization needed, the perpetual license can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per user or business. Some vendors of org chart software also have a hybrid pricing structure, where you pay a one-time license charge for the software and a recurring fee for support, maintenance, and upgrades.

Popular Org Chart Software Products

Lucidchart 

You can create several diagrams, including org charts, using the well-known cloud-based diagramming tool Lucidchart. Create org charts that look professional with Lucidchart’s simple drag-and-drop interface, real-time collaboration tools, and a large library of themes and shapes.

OrgChart Now 

OrgChart Now is a cloud-based org chart tool that enables you to quickly and simply build and share org charts. Businesses of all sizes favor it because of its easy-to-use interface, adaptable templates, and real-time data integration features.

Pingboard 

Pingboard is a cutting-edge org chart tool that simplifies seeing and managing your business. Thanks to its interactive org chart, you may monitor employee details, follow changes in real time, and communicate with team members.

SmartDraw 

Org charts can be made using the robust diagramming tool, which allows users to build other types of charts. It makes it simple to quickly build org charts with a professional appearance thanks to the variety of templates, symbols, and shapes it provides. 

Microsoft’s Visio 

Visio is Microsoft’s own diagramming programme with an org chart function. You can construct org charts with Visio using a variety of layouts and styles, import data from Excel or other sources, and work in real-time collaboration.

SmartDraw 

SmartDraw is a powerful diagramming software that enables users to create various charts, including org charts. It offers a wide range of templates, symbols, and shapes, making it easy to create professional-looking org charts quickly. 

Gliffy 

Using the cloud-based diagramming tool, you may construct several diagrams, including org charts. It makes it simple to quickly construct org charts with a professional appearance by providing a large selection of templates and shapes.

Creately 

Using a collaborative diagramming tool like Creately, teams can work on various diagrams, including org charts. Businesses of all sizes favor it because of its user-friendly design, collection of templates and shapes, and real-time collaboration tools.

Draw.io 

Draw.io is a free and open-source diagramming tool that enables you to build a variety of diagrams, including org charts. It makes it simple to quickly construct org charts with a professional appearance by providing a large selection of templates and shapes.

Important Org Chart Software Integrations

An org chart software should have several essential integrations to enhance its functionality and usability. Some essential integrations include

Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Integration 

This integration allows automatic employee data updates, such as titles, departments, and reporting structures. It streamlines creating and maintaining org charts, reducing errors and ensuring accuracy.

Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration

With SSO integration, users may use the org chart software with their existing login credentials, such as those from their Google or Microsoft accounts, without creating new ones. This improves usability and security.

Active Directory Integration

With this integration, the software can automatically collect data from Active Directory, such as employee names, job titles, and departments, to create org charts. Additionally, it makes sure that the organizational structure is always up to date.

Collaboration and Communication Tools Integration

Sharing and working together on org charts is made simple by integrating collaboration and communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Large organizations with numerous teams participating in org chart creation and updating will find this extremely helpful.

Integration With Analytics And Reporting Tools 

Integrations with analytics and reporting tools, including Tableau and Power BI, enable the visualization of data pertaining to the organizational structure, such as headcount, a span of control, and reporting links. 

Potential Issues with Org Chart Software

Businesses can organize and visualize their corporate structure using organizational chart software. The use of this kind of software does have some possible drawbacks, though. Below are a few:

Complexity

Organizational chart software can be challenging to set up and maintain, requiring much time and effort. Users may need some time to become familiar with the software, make templates, and input data.

Limited Modification 

The flexibility of the organizational chart may be hampered by the limited modification choices available in some software. Users could be unable to customize the chart to suit their requirements, making it a less accurate depiction of the company.

Data Management

Organizational chart software primarily depends on correct and current data. Organizational charts that are accurate and full can result from correctly input data, which can improve decision-making.

Integration 

Depending on the software, it might need to be fixed with other company-wide systems. Users may need to enter data into several systems, which can result in duplicative efforts.

Security

There can be data security and privacy worries if the programme is cloud-based. Users may need to ensure the programme complies with any laws and security standards their organization sets.

Cost 

Depending on the programme, the price may be a barrier for some businesses.. Some software may be too expensive for smaller businesses, or the cost may not justify the benefits for the organization.

Relevant Org Chart Software Trends

Some current trends and developments include:

Cloud-Based Solutions

Over the past few years, cloud-based org chart software solutions have grown in popularity. These technologies have many advantages, including increased security, real-time data access, and more straightforward collaboration. The software’s accessibility from any location with an internet connection makes working remotely and interacting with team members dispersed across different locations easy.

Integration with HR Management Systems

It is much simpler to handle employee data, performance, and other HR-related activities thanks to integrating many org chart software solutions with HR management systems. With the help of this interface, HR teams can quickly develop and manage organizational charts from within their current HR systems, which avoids errors and saves time.

Mobile-Friendly Design

Org chart software has improved its mobile-friendliness as more individuals utilize mobile devices to access information and do business remotely. The availability of mobile apps for many systems now enables users to access organizational charts and other data from their smartphones and tablets. This functionality improves the adaptability and accessibility of the org chart software.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Some org chart software solutions now use AI and ML to boost the product’s precision and effectiveness. These tools can assist in finding patterns and trends in employee data that can be utilized to improve organizational planning and decision-making.

Interactive and Dynamic Charts

Unlike traditional org charts which were static, modern org chart software solutions have dynamic and interactive charts that enable users to click on specific employees to view their profiles, job descriptions, and other relevant information.

Software and Services Related to Org Chart Software

Collaboration Software

Collaboration tools are created to make teamwork more successful and efficient. It enables real-time project collaboration, file sharing, and communication among team members.

Flowchart Software

Diagrams that depict the direction of a process or system’s flow are made using flowchart software. It simplifies comprehending and analyzing complicated systems by allowing users to construct and connect numerous shapes and symbols to represent various steps in a process.

Board Management Software

Organizations can manage their board meetings and daily operations using board management software. Board members can use it to safely access and share agendas, minutes, and other materials.

Business Plan Software

Entrepreneurs and small business owners can build, maintain, and track their business plans using business plan software. It frequently offers templates, examples, and step-by-step instructions to assist users in drafting a polished business plan.

Business Process Management Software

Business processes are optimized and automated by business process management software. It enables businesses to plan and evaluate their existing processes, spot areas for development, and make adjustments to boost production and efficiency. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Org Chart Software

  • What Is Org Chart Software?
    Org chart software allows organizations to create and manage organizational charts, which illustrate the structure and hierarchy of an organization. Automating the process and making chart modifications simple as needed makes it easier to create and update org charts.
  • What Are The Benefits Of Using Org Chart Software?
    There are several benefits of using org chart software. Key benefits include improved organizational communication and collaboration, a better understanding of roles and responsibilities, increased transparency, and better decision-making capabilities.
  • How Does Org Chart Software Work?
    Org chart software uses data from an organization’s HR database or other sources to visually represent the organizational structure. Users can display extra information such as employee photographs, job descriptions, and contact details and add, delete, or alter roles.
  • What Features Should I Consider While Choosing Software For Organizational Charts?
    When selecting org chart software, you should look for features like ease of use, customizability, integration with other software, creating and viewing charts in different formats, and access to charts from multiple devices.
  • How Much Does Organizational Chart Software Cost?
    The cost of org chart software can vary depending on the provider and the specific features included. Some software may be free, while others require a monthly or annual subscription fee. It is important to research different options and compare pricing before deciding.