For this exercise, I updated a flowchart that I had originally created using Cmap for an MET course I completed this past summer. Please click here to view my flowchart.
I have created flowcharts in the past using Visio, Vue and Cmap. When I was an auditor, I created process documentation using Visio, and I have used Vue and Cmap to create flowcharts for other MET courses. I was not aware of the existence of Gliffy until this exercise. I have summarized what I consider to be the pros and cons of the application below.
Pros
- Auto save feature
- Easy to move individual shapes and/or the entire diagram to another location within the “page”
- Grid system ensures that shapes and text are lined up (no more eyeballing)
- Portability – The flowchart can be accessed from anywhere. With Cmap and Vue, I had to download the application on my computer before I could use it.
- Collaboration – Standard and pro packages allow multiple users
- Ability to export as svg, Gliffy XML, JPEG or PNG file
- Can print the flowchart
- Easy to use
- Lots of shapes from which to choose
Cons
- No spell check utility
- Cost – The free plan only permits 5 flowcharts to be created and there is no ability to collaborate. The standard plan is $4.95/user per month and allows 200 diagrams and unlimited collaboration. The pro plan is $9.95/user per month and permits unlimited diagrams and collaboration.
I was very impressed with how easy it was to learn how to use the application. The process went much faster than it did when I originally created the flowchart in Cmap. I would definitely consider using Gliffy again in the future if I needed to create a flowchart.
