SMARTDRAW IN BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT:

SmartDraw Helps Energy Research & Development Company Get Off the Ground

Jeff Baker is a founder and chief strategist of an energy research and development company set to open its doors in 2008. His company's stock-in-trade is the licensing of intellectual property. Not only did he need an easy way to create patent illustrations, but he needed to create org charts, project mind maps, process flows, as well as graphics for white papers, data sheets, signage, and more.

"We plan to open our doors in January, and we already have ten patent applications to illustrate and write," said Jeff. "We also needed to create landscape and facilities planning layouts, website specifications, signage…the list goes on and on."

Jeff had experience with MS Visio^® and Publisher, but knew there was a better option. He had used SmartDraw all through business school, and knew it was up to the rigorous test.

"Visio^® was definitely out of the question, due to its high cost, steep learning curve and notorious lack of security," said Jeff. "Besides, in school I was able to turn in superior work with SmartDraw—graduating summa cum laude—while the rest of the students slogged through their assignments with Visio^®."

Baker found that SmartDraw did a great job automating the creation of business graphics, helping him quickly create everything from flowcharts to product data sheets.

"Compared to the alternatives, it's much quicker on its feet while rendering and editing, and has much more intuitive and conveniently placed toolbars and command buttons," said Jeff. "Files are easily saved as any popular file type, and are easily transportable among shrink-wrapped and open-sourced applications alike."

In addition, Jeff noted SmartDraw's rich selection of templates and breadth of functionality, including full access to all system fonts, complete image editing from within the product, professional design color themes, and automatic formatting and alignment.

"All these features and functionality help one's ideas really take shape, and they are always rendered as perfectly and as accurately as they appear in the 'Print Preview' display window," said Jeff.

Jeff also applauds SmartDraw's seamless integration with other image formats, including PDF^®.

"SmartDraw's ease of use really eliminates time waste," said Jeff. "You can accomplish so much in a single click, that it gives me a 30-40% times advantage when compared to other 'solutions.'"

But, by far, what is biggest benefit of using SmartDraw?

"The biggest benefit of using SmartDraw is succinct communications and understanding, and being able to keep everybody on the same page," said Jeff.

To learn more and to download a free trial, visit www.smartdraw.com.