I know this is neither “gear” nor “gadget,” but I like telling you, the reader, about good software when I come across it. Software vendor Human Concepts makes OrgPlus, the go-to app for creating organizational charts. OrgPlus Live is the new Web-based version of said software. Don’t think you need org charts? Well, maybe it’s just that you don’t know any better.
Of course some of the goals for creating an org chart is to get a visual idea of your company’s structure, building project teams and keeping track of everyone’s role and contact information as your organization changes. But I’ve used org charts for laying out stories, setting up my bookmaking operation a gentleman’s NCAA office pool and even planning out teams for a Whiffle Ball league—basically anything that needs structure and order.
OrgPlus Live brings the org-chart strengths from the Windows-based software (with pricing that starts at $189.95) and applies them to a Web-based version that can be used on any platform thanks to the miracles of Flash. Drag-and-drop creation, easy text input and field editing, a simple, intuitive interface, solid security, the ability to import existing data from Excel and more is now available for fees as low as $9.99 a month. And if you still don’t see how useful it can be, I dare you to try it out for yourself—there’s a 14-day free trial with nothing to install or download.
OrgPlus Live [company site]
Hey Josh, thanks for the great write-up. You nailed it!!! Love the org charting ideas you came up with. Anyone else have a good org charting idea? – Eddie Sirota, OrgPlus LIVE, Product Manager
What a making a beer pong tournament chart? That could be fun!
I like the beer pong idea.
This only applies to San Franciscans, but assigning costumes, tasks and other logistics to your Bay to Breakers crew can be complicated. An org chart would be handy. :)
@Eddie – is this a contest?
I use the org chart tool built into office to make simple network diagrams all the time. Internet to router, router to firewall, firewall to switches, switches to servers, etc. This tool sounds like the perfect replacement. From the screenshot you posted it looks like the resulting charts also have that look of professionalism to them. Thanks for posting this!
@Mike
That’s a good idea Mike. You can definitely chart anything that has a hierarchical structure to it. The cool thing about this product is that you can share your chart with others and even have them help you make changes.
What about using org charts to get organized on various projects? You could use the charting tool to prioritize certain projects and assign related tasks. It could be a pretty nifty project and process management tool.
@Lili
You can totally use OrgPlus LIVE as a project management tool. It’s kinda similar to the idea that Josh had in order to lay out his stories.
Hmmm…What about Gliffy? Its a free Visio-like application that can do organizational charts and much more.