Should We be Using Smartdraw or other similar Software.

Hello Mr. Peterson,

I was informed that you are interested in using some form of drawing software for the creation of training materials and other paper work. One such program you mentioned was Smart Draw and the other mentioned was Visio by Microsoft. Both programs are primarily used for business applications and they both specialize in creating more visual based documents. Such materials include, floor charts, flowcharts, maps, forms, diagrams of people, emergency plans, and even tools to aid in the planning process. From what I have tested of Smart Draw using its free trial, the software appears to be quite user friendly are primarily relies on the “drag and drop” method. In other words one just needs to click on an object and then move it somewhere else. Smart Draw also uses the same basic keyboard shortcuts as Microsoft’s software and it is even compatible with Microsoft’s Visio software. However, I am only using thein web browser version of the software, thus if the internet is slow then the program also operates slowly. In terms of training employees to use the software, I can imagine two scenarios. The first one being that the trainee is more of a visual learner, and will quickly adapt to Smart Draw within let’s say 3 to 4 hours of continued training. The flip side of this is the non- visual based learner, the program might take a bit longer to become user friendly for them. Training these people can run up to 6 to 7 hours of continued training. This also assumes that in both cases the trainee is familiar with computers and how they work, i.e. they know how to type, use keyboard shortcuts, use a mouse, how the internet works etc.

Software looks like it would strongly benefit firms which deal with producing high quality floorplans, maps, engineering schematics, or emergency plans for either consumption or to be used internally. An architect would greatly benefit from being able to use this software. However, a small social media marketing firm might not need or use all the features Smart Draw and other similar programs provide. There are even substitutes for a few of the features that Smart Draw provides. For Example, both google sheets, Microsoft Power Point, and Word allow for one to make quite detailed Flow charts. Word can even use thousands of templates to create various forms for most business uses. This issue also ties into the fact that these programs are not free. They charge a monthly subscription fee depending on the number of users. For example, Smart Draw charges only $9.95 per month for one user of the software. For 10 users, it is about $50 per month. They do offer an “all access pass” so to speak in the form of all users can use the software for about $250 per month.

Unlike the previous recommendation I gave to use both Google Drive and Microsoft office, I am unsure of the exact ROI Smart Draw or another similar software would have. Would our employees benefit from having simple to read flow charts for various processes? If so why would we pay more for something which can already be done using our own software? Does our location require a detailed emergency plan map showing escape routes in the event of an attack? How many forms do we need to make and can Word make said forms already? I am not saying to give up on Smart Draw, it can be a useful tool. However, because it is a paid for experience, I cannot say with 100% certainty it’s worth it if we have other tools and means of replicating Smart Draw’s features.