Microsoft Visio for an Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers must use up to date technologies to achieve the most efficient and effective system. There are many different computer programs to assist and engineer in any field. A few of the basic programs that are necessary for must engineers to have knowledge in are Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. However, Industrial Engineers tend to have a need for programs that allow them to create easy charts, graphs, and various documents. A well-known, widely used program is Microsoft Visio. This program allows the user to create flow charts and layouts using templates, shapes, and graphs.

Microsoft Visio Example

A large aspect of the typical job description for an Industrial Engineer entails creating diagrams to test newly designed or reconfigured facility layouts. They layouts make it simple for an engineer to create unique layouts with the capability to make revisions easily. An Industrial Engineer will also use time trials acquired from observation to analyze the proper layout. Not only is Visio a very user friendly program, but it allows for easy sharing between users. This capability is a great aspect for the business world. In the business world, multiple engineers work on a project and share their professional opinion in order to create the best system. Therefore, a program that allows for easy access sharing is essential to a project.

 

Smartdraw Example

Microsoft Visio is not the only software available for creation of flow charts and layouts. There are alternative programs such as one of Visio’s largest competitors, Smartdraw. The obvious advantage to Smartdraw over Visio is the price. Visio Professional is about $600, while Smartdraw Business is selling for only $300. For the young engineer concerned with money, Smartdraw will have the immediate appeal due to the large price difference. Another advantage is that Smartdraw has over 1900 pre-installed templates for documents as opposed to Visio’s 70. A feature that is less used however advertised as an advantage is the ability to integrate Google maps with the document created. However, the overall functionality and visuals within Smartdraw are not as high of quality as Microsoft Visio.



Side-by-side comparison of Smartdraw (Left) to Visio (Right)

Both Visio and Smartdraw provide the basic functional tools necessary to create a diagram. Smartdraw, however, seems to have a few funtional limitaitions when it comes to the details of the program. The first example is shown when using the stencils. Both programs use stencils, but only Microsoft Visio provides the use with the capability to create an endless number of custom stencils. Smartdraw does not allow the user to create any custom stencils. Another drawback for is Smartdraw is the overall response time to rendering and editing projects is delayed which can be very cumbersome at times. This wait time may not be ideal to the engineer working on a project in a time crunch. The following link highlights some of the top features Microsoft Visio provides to the user http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/microsoft-visio-2013-top-features-diagram-software-FX103796044.aspx.

In the end, the user must decide what the best option is. Using my research, I’ve come to the conclusion that Smartdraw is a more basic program. Smartdraw is a great introduction to the variations of programs Industrial Engineers may use. Therefore it does not have quite as nice of a final professional look as opposed to Microsoft Visio. Visio takes more practice and experience to complete a desired professional look. Visual appeal is key to most all engineers, therefore, Microsoft Visio’s professional looking product is a more realistic tool to apply in the work force over Smartdraw. Microsoft Visio is more widely known and more appealing on a resume. For many employers, the Microsoft programs are the professional standard. This was evident upon reviewing Industrial Engineer job descriptions. With a vast majority of the job descriptions, it was explicitly laid out that the engineer must have knowledge and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio. When analyzing the typical job of an Industrial Engineer, it was evident that using programs such as Microsoft Visio are essential to assisting an engineer create unique systems that achieve effectiveness and efficiency.

Readers that desire to have another opinion on the matter may visit http://flowchart-software-review.toptenreviews.com/visio-review.html. This link provides a review of Microsoft Visio based on diagramming tools, chart organizational tools, text & graphic tools, easy of use, and help & support.

Listed below is a link to learn more about Micrsoft Visio and its capabilities. 

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/