Plan and Manage a Project in Just Minutes with SmartDraw
SmartDraw makes diagramming fast with simple, on-screen commands or optional keyboard shortcuts
Diagramming a project using a mind map encourages the process to flow naturally, creating an efficient and easy-to-follow plan.
SmartDraw Visuals Make Projects Easier to Plan & Manage
Planning a project using SmartDraw is so easy and intuitive that many of our customers tell us they are able to do it "right out of the box." In just minutes you will be able to:
- Plan your project quickly and effectively using a mind map
- Switch to a project chart or other views with one click
- Assign tasks and due dates, manage dependencies, adjust schedules
- View each person's tasks in the assignment view
- View the project on a timeline
- Distribute action items to team* members
- Allow team members to receive and update assignments via mobile devices
- Import and export capabilities with Microsoft Project® files
If you're looking for a simple project management solution, SmartDraw has it
How SmartDraw Simplifies Project Planning and Management
2. Assign Tasks and Due Dates
Click the Project Chart icon and you'll see that SmartDraw has applied your mind map data to create a project chart. Type in names of people who will perform each task. Add the dates that each task starts and ends. SmartDraw will create a date range automatically and scale it so that it fits on one page. Add dependencies or drag the date bars to readjust start/end dates.
4. View the Project on a Timeline
SmartDraw also creates a presentation-quality timeline overview of the project. You can move shapes, shift dates and again, everything reformats. As with the other views, any changes made on the timeline will apply to all of the other views, as well.
6. Easy Integration with Microsoft Project® and Office®
SmartDraw has import and export capabilities, letting you work with Microsoft Project® files. SmartDraw also offers full integration with Microsoft Office® programs. With a single click, you can send your SmartDraw diagram to Word®, Excel® or PowerPoint®. You can also save your file as a PDF in one step.
1. SmartDraw Lets You Plan More Effectively
A mind map encourages project planning to naturally move from broad topics to sub-topics to specific tasks. This allows for more accurate estimates of timing and resources. SmartDraw lets you build mind maps quickly thanks to automated drawing. Move shapes and everything reformats, so that your diagram is always presentation-quality.
3. Assignment View Organizes Tasks by Person
Assignment View allows team members to see the project plan arranged by person. At a glance, each person can see their assign ments. When actions are updated, icons change to reflect the percentage of work finished. Exclamation points show tasks that are late (red) or at risk of running late (yellow).
5. Plan and Manage as a Team*
Once the project plan is finished, distributing tasks to each team member is a snap. Just click the Share button. Anyone, even non-users of SmartDraw, can view, update and comment on their action items from the web or a mobile device. All updates are reflected in the project file so everyone can stay up to date.
*Full team features are available only in the Enterprise Edition of SmartDraw