An organization chart is a diagrammatic representation of a company’s structure. It illustrates the various hierarchies and reporting relationships within an organization. Org chart software helps businesses create and manage their organization charts, which are used to establish key roles and responsibilities as well as define cross-team relationships.

A wide range of org chart software tools is available on the market, and choosing the one that best meets your needs and budget is important. This guide will help you understand the different factors you must keep in mind when shortlisting a software solution.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What is org chart software?
Common features of org chart software
What type of buyer are you?
Benefits of org chart software
Key considerations when selecting org chart software
Market trends to understand

What is org chart software?

Org chart software is a software tool that allows users to graphically represent their organizations’ hierarchical structure and illustrate the relationships between various employees, departments, and functions. It can source employee data from documents, such as Excel spreadsheets and CSV files, as well as internal tools, such as human resources (HR) and workforce management software, to automatically create well-defined organization charts.

Most org chart tools have an access control mechanism, which allows users to set data access permissions for protecting sensitive employee data from misuse and unauthorized access.

The software can automate the process of updating user roles—in case of promotions or resignations—so that the organization chart is up to date at all times.

Org chart with employee details in OrgChart (Source)

Common features of org chart software

Different vendors offer different features in their org chart software. Selecting software with the right features is easier when you know what the most common features are and what they do. Here's a look at some of the common features of these tools.

Feature	Description
Data visualization	Offers various design and visualization elements, such as shape options, images, and color themes, that allow you to create simple, intuitive organization charts.
Data import/export	Lets you import employee data from various file formats, such as Excel and CSV, to create organization charts. You can also export the organization chart as an Excel or CSV file.
Customizable templates	Offers predefined organization chart templates that can be customized using different colors, designs, logos, etc.
Drag-and-drop interface	Allows you to change user roles/departments on the organization chart by simply dragging and dropping icons (employee images, departments, etc.) at the desired position.
Collaboration	Lets multiple users work together on the same chart in real time via features such as revision history, commenting, and sharing.
Employee database	Allows HR administrators to search and view employee details, such as full name, designation, work phone number, email, project, and department, to be updated on the organization chart.

What type of buyer are you?

Before you start evaluating software options, you'll want to know which buyer category you belong to. Most buyers fall into one of the below categories.

Small and midsize businesses: These buyers usually belong to organizations with less than 250 employees. As they have fewer employees, their organization charts are less complex and require simple design elements and templates. Org chart software with standard features, such as data visualization, data import/export, and customizable templates, is recommended for such buyers. They can choose to upgrade later when their requirements increase.

Enterprises: These buyers mostly belong to large organizations that have over 250 employees and multiple office locations. The organization charts they need to create are complex and have various inter-team and inter-departmental relationships to clearly define the roles of multiple employees. These buyers should look for a fully featured org chart software that offers advanced design and visualization elements (drag-and-drop interface, custom colors, etc.), collaboration support, integration with existing HR software systems, and employee database management.

Benefits of org chart software

While some of the benefits of org chart software are clear from our discussion above, we've listed the most notable ones in this section.

Enhances the visibility of workforce relationships: Org chart software allows you to visualize your organization’s complete hierarchy, including employee roles across locations. Employees can view where they are placed within the organization and how they relate to fellow colleagues, business units, departments, etc. Thus, the software gives a bird’s-eye view of the whole organization structure.

Helps with project management: To find resources for new projects, project managers need information on various HR-related aspects, such as the current employee headcount, employee age, and compensation details. Managers can use org chart software to access all the required data, identify eligible employees, and share their details with stakeholders for further approval.

Key considerations when selecting org chart software

Listed below are some important points to consider before you purchase org chart software.

Mobile app availability: The software you’re planning to purchase should be available as a mobile app on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets. Mobile-ready software will allow you to perform tasks such as access employee details and update roles and responsibilities even when you’re on the move.

Customer support: Check which type of customer support is offered by your shortlisted vendors: 24/7, 24/5, or only during business hours. Also, ask about the available support channels, such as email, phone, or live chat. Having reliable support services will ensure that you can quickly fix any software issues without facing downtime.

Market trends to understand

Here’s a recent trend in the org chart software market that you should be aware of.

Artificial intelligence (AI) driving the adoption of org chart software: Software equipped with AI capabilities can run algorithms in real time to match the skill set of users with the requirements of open project positions. This can help organizations utilize their manpower efficiently. Thus, software vendors are increasingly offering AI capabilities in their org chart software.

Note: The application selected in this article is an example to show a feature in context and isn’t intended as an endorsement or a recommendation. It has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.

Rolebase Alternatives

Top 15 Alternatives

Organimi

Organimi

EntityKeeper

EntityKeeper

Lucidchart

Lucidchart

SmartDraw

SmartDraw

Visio

Visio

Canva

Canva

Creately

Creately

BizRun HR

BizRun HR

Miro

Miro

ChartHop

ChartHop

Talentum

Talentum

Papaya Global

Papaya Global

Sift

Sift

Gliffy

Gliffy

Stormboard

Stormboard