We primarily use the solution for business process design.
Business Process Management Specialist and Business Continuity Management Coordinator at a insurance company with 501-1,000 employees
Very fast with great documentation but has limited scalability
Pros and Cons
- "The fact that it's on-premises allows you to get fantastic speed. It's got a faster response rate, it doesn't lag, and it doesn't have any latency when you're working on it."
- "If you look at ARIS, for example, or Signavio, the flowchart combines all the details and with the click of a button I can create a process manager. That would be something that Visio could add. It would cut my workload in half."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The simplicity of the solution is great. It doesn't have a lot of menus, so it's easy to navigate.
The fact that it's on-premises allows you to get fantastic speed. It's got a faster response rate, it doesn't lag, and it doesn't have any latency when you're working on it.
The solution has a very comprehensive set of icons. It has a BPMN location and a lot of other different locations you can use at the same time.
Microsoft offers great documentation of the product.
What needs improvement?
The reason we're moving from Visio to another program is the fact that you can link the library on ARIS or Signavio. These you have to save them on the save drive which as a collaboration. It's not working for us. There needs to be better configuration at this point. We need something a bit more flexible in that sense.
The scalability is limited.
If you look at ARIS, for example, or Signavio, the flowchart combines all the details and with the click of a button I can create a process manager. That would be something that Visio could add. It would cut my workload in half. Currently, once I'm done with drawing the flowchart, I need to take it and put it in that document and then explain what the flowchart is.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for four to five years at this point.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good. It's reliable. It doesn't crash on us, or freeze. I don't recall any bugs or glitches.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is average. It's not as scalable as other options. Organizations that need to expand it may run into issues.
We have about five to ten users on the solution at our company.
How are customer service and support?
I've never required technical support. I can't speak to the level of service they provide.
That said, there is great documentation, so it's pretty easy to troubleshoot by referencing those if you need to.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We've tried ARIS and Signavio. We're still looking for a solution that can replace Visio for us. We're looking for something that can link our library.
How was the initial setup?
In our organization, the IT department takes care of the initial setup. I wasn't part of the deployment process.
What other advice do I have?
We're just a customer. We don't have a business relationship with Microsoft.
We're using either the 2015 or 2016 version of the solution.
The first question a company needs to determine how complex the processes are and how much depth, how much detail they want to document. If it's simpler and they want to get away from the flow chart and then present it somewhere else (such as on a PowerPoint or a report) Visio is a great option.
However, if you want to actually manage your processor, simulator, have a database, or have workflows in order to get approval within different departments or, for example, create documents after a flowchart, then I'd recommend other programs.
Overall, I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Business Process Manager at a maritime company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Flexible and easy to use, but it should have a better connection to the workflow
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the set of diagramming tools."
- "The big downside to Visio is that it's very difficult to push the design through to Power Automate, to become a workflow that you can use."
What is our primary use case?
I primarily use Visio for creating mind maps and other visualizations.
I also use it for process modeling, but we are searching for a specific business process modeler because Visio doesn't have the full scope of capability that we need.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the set of diagramming tools.
It is quite flexible and easy to use.
What needs improvement?
The big downside to Visio is that it's very difficult to push the design through to Power Automate, to become a workflow that you can use.
The process modeling capability would benefit from a quick modeler tool, such as one where you use a table that is populated using the BPMN 2.0 format.
In the future, I would like to see a connection with the workflow so that you can create your model and then execute it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Visio for about ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is something that needs to be improved.
The models are not linked together, so unless you're using SharePoint or you've defined your own workflow, there is no version control. This makes it more difficult to collaborate, link models, and make sure that everybody is using the latest version. Essentially, you have to build your own framework from scratch in order to do that.
We have about 100 users, most of which are end-users. It requires minimal administration.
How are customer service and technical support?
We have not had to contact the vendor for support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
This was the first proper diagramming tool that we have used.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. Our IT department installed it, and I think that it took a couple of hours to deploy.
What about the implementation team?
Our in-house team is responsible for the deployment, maintenance, and providing support.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Our license for Visio is including with the Office 365 subscription.
What other advice do I have?
This is a product that I can recommend, albeit for limited use. If you just want to draw basic models and create systems diagrams, and not do anything too clever and link it together, then it will work well because it's quite flexible and easy to use.
I would rate this solution a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Visio
January 2026
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881,082 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Technical Sales Specialist at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Provides good stability, but its scalability needs improvement
Pros and Cons
- "The product is stable."
- "The product only functions well professionally, with adding additional software for configuration."
What is our primary use case?
We use the product for business modeling and workflow design.
What needs improvement?
The product only functions well professionally, with adding additional software for configuration.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been Visio for more than 20 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product is only scalable if utilized with additional software.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. However, it only fits a professional approach if you add additional software. It can be deployed on-premises and on the cloud.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Visio a seven out of ten. I recommend it for beginners. However, I advise others to use it along with additional software.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Security Manager at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Plenty of features, useful endpoint manager, and responsive support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of Visio is the credential management, endpoint manager, and active directory for Microsoft Azure for our hybrid infrastructure. Additionally, there are plenty of features available."
- "Visio could improve by simplifying the application to allow the business user more understanding. This will allow us to bring the solution deeper into the organization for use. It can be difficult to navigate and some users tend to rely on third-party applications for auditing, compliance, and policy configuration."
What is our primary use case?
I am using Visio for migration and application development. Additionally, we did a Microsoft Azure landing zone for companies to implement CICD pipelines.
We typically do hybrid deployments because of the data security issues that can arise. However, there is a lot of opportunity coming for native cloud deployments.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Visio is the credential management, endpoint manager, and active directory for Microsoft Azure for our hybrid infrastructure. Additionally, there are plenty of features available.
What needs improvement?
Visio could improve by simplifying the application to allow the business user more understanding. This will allow us to bring the solution deeper into the organization for use. It can be difficult to navigate and some users tend to rely on third-party applications for auditing, compliance, and policy configuration.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used Visio for approximately four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the stability of Visio an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have approximately 10 people using this solution in solution.
I rate the scalability of Visio a nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The support from Microsft has been great. I receive direct calls from support to resolve our issues. They have been responsive and helpful.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I do not have experience with other solutions in the same category.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. I have been doing it for many years.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate the price of Visio a six out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
My advice is this solution is scalable and easy to deploy. It is an asset for an organization, which is looking for an immediate infrastructure to be built on a project.
I rate Visio a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Process engineer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Basic process diagramming tool
Pros and Cons
- "The valuable feature about Visio is it has all the basic tools for creating processes."
- "Visio's scalability could be improved. I had a license through my school and it would have been great to be able to collaborate with more people."
What is our primary use case?
My primary use case of Visio is diagramming. It's useful for diagramming any type of process you would want to describe.
What is most valuable?
The valuable feature about Visio is it has all the basic tools for creating processes.
What needs improvement?
Visio's scalability could be improved. I had a license through my school and it would have been great to be able to collaborate with more people.
As for additional features, all these tools differ and Visio has the basics. I don't think it needs to be something more because it's Visio, it's a Microsoft product.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Visio for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is okay.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability could be improved. When I was in school, it wasn't possible to collaborate with others.
How are customer service and support?
I have never contacted Microsoft's technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was straightforward and I had no problems. It's the same installation process as other Microsoft software: you pay for it, a few clicks, and you're there.
What about the implementation team?
I implemented this solution myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Visio is the cheapest solution because it has the basics. Everyone starts with Visio for designing processes because doing it in PowerPoint is a mess. I'm still a student, so I don't pay for licensing.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Visio a five out of ten. When I need to do something simple, Visio is okay. I would recommend this solution to others.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Infrastructure Manager at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees
Versatile and stable product that helps to streamline documentation
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of this product is its versatility."
- "It's a very large install that uses many gigabytes."
What is our primary use case?
My primary use case for Visio is network diagrams to document our local and wide area networks. We also use it from time to time to document business processes and logical systematic processes.
How has it helped my organization?
Visio has helped streamline our documentation.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of this product is its versatility.
What needs improvement?
An area for improvement would be the product's footprint - it's a very large install that uses many gigabytes. There are also sometimes bugs when working with documents on a network drive.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Visio for about twenty years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Visio is very stable, and very few staff are needed for maintenance.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I don't think scalability is particularly relevant to this product as I use it.
How are customer service and support?
Microsoft's basic support is very difficult to work with. However, we have recently invested in the premier support package, which is a lot more money but is actually very good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was fairly straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
I used an in-house team for implementation.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution as eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Storage Engineer at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
Easy to use, simple installation, and responsive support
Pros and Cons
- "Visio is easy to use."
- "The solution could improve by having more integration."
What is most valuable?
Visio is easy to use.
What needs improvement?
The solution could improve by having more integration.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Visio for approximately one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Visio is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have found Visio to be scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The support for Visio is very good. Microsoft always fixes bugs or problems quickly.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution could be less expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
I rate Visio a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
NOC Manager at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
A stable and scalable solution which is easy to install and to use
Pros and Cons
- "I like the solution's ease of use and its the integration with different templates from a variety of manufacturers."
- "The solution should have better integration capabilities with MacOS and Linux."
What is our primary use case?
We do not use the latest version.
I am a network engineer and we use the solution for drawing network diagrams.
What is most valuable?
I like the solution's ease of use and its the integration with different templates from a variety of manufacturers.
What needs improvement?
The solution should have better integration capabilities with MacOS and Linux.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Visio since 2010.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
We have never contacted technical support concerning Microsoft Visio.
How was the initial setup?
The solution is easy to install. It took, perhaps, 15 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
One can do installation on his own.
Just a single manager is responsible for the deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is a licensing fee, but it is fairly priced. It is on a monthly basis.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did not evaluate other options before going with the solution.
What other advice do I have?
There are five people, network engineers, who use the solution in my organization.
I would recommend it to others.
I rate Visio as a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: January 2026
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