Microsoft Visio

We use Microsoft Visio in our organization for multiple purposes, we draw new network diagrams, or modify existing ones with new updates. We also create traffic flow diagrams for in house applications, or on cloud apps, this allows the teams to have knowledge of dependencies of the applications and the network TCP/UDP ports used per application. We have many scopes for Microsoft Visio since it allows to use it internally and for customer deliverables as well. The problems it solves is definitely the gap of knowledge to understand how things are designed, work together and also micro application communication and dependencies.

• Per user license make it flexible to turn on/off individual licenses and save costs.
• Based on the multiple use cases of the App the ROI is pretty high (Rack layouts, network diagrams, flow diagrams, application diagrams).
• Multi-vendor stencils support or custom created stencils supported.

Excalidraw+, Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite, Google Drive, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Visual Studio Code

Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite, ChatGPT, Google Authenticator, GoldWave, Notepad++, Microsoft Visual Studio Code, Postman, Microsoft Teams, Cisco AnyConnect, Google Chrome, LastPass for Business, 1Password, SecureCRT, Datadog, Nectar, Planview ChangePoint, Cisco Duo

We use Microsoft Visio mainly as a process mapping tool, creating mostly cross-functional swim lane diagrams for discrete processes or application integrations. Through the use of templating and agreed shapes and other artefacts, Microsoft Visio is used to create a large portion of the training material and system analysis documentation before development and deployment.

• Accelerated integration time with our customer environments
• Removed scope creep from our project delivery due to detailed diagrams for work planning
• Enhanced new joiner on-boarding due to process flows created using same templates and level

Miro and Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite

Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite, Miro

There are two primary tasks that we use Visio for in our Orgnaization. First, we use it to Value Stream Map the processes at each of warehouses every 18 months. From this Value Stream Map we create in Visio, we will then develop our Contiuous Improvement Roadmap.

We also use Visio to create Swin Lanes for new processes and projects that are rolled out in our network to give our users a good visual representation of what they will be doing and how the process should flow.

• It has reduced the time need to create our Value Stream Maps by 50% compared to use either Excel or PowerPoint.
• Having Version History makes it easy to see the before and after impact of process changes and ensures the process changes are delivering maximum results.
• It has streamlined our Continuous Improvement Roadmap creation process and ensures all are being developed in the same manner.

SmartDraw

Microsoft 365, Vsimple, AutoCAD

Microsoft Visio was long the go-to tool for architecture diagrams. I invested significant time creating stencils of my most frequently used icons and logos, which became a standard adopted by colleagues. For me, one of Visio’s key strengths was the ability to define and distribute standards through reusable templates and shareable stencils. Over time, however, it became increasingly difficult to ensure everyone had the appropriate licensing, and even more challenging to maintain consistent usage across the organization. In addition, while Visio can produce very clean diagrams, it can be somewhat finicky; the quality of the final output is often directly proportional to the time and attention the author invests. Visio also isn’t well-suited to “live” diagramming during meetings and offers limited support for real-time collaboration. This summary reflects my personal opinion only and does not represent my company's views.

• Diagraming is taken for granted, lowest cost is better.

Miro, draw.io and Mural

Miro, Mural, draw.io

Documentation of existing networks and network upgrades/modifications that occur at corporate and remote locations. These include rack layouts, floor diagrams, power and wiring layouts and geographical location specifics to assist technical team members understand work efforts that need to be delivered for the project on the "big picture" and detailed level.

• Improved communications with teams
• Reduced time to implement a solution
• Improved time to resolve design issues

Dell PowerEdge and IBM z/OS

VMware Workstation Pro, Microsoft 365, VMware Workstation Player