Microsoft Visio & Work Flow Diagrams

Dr. P.,

In accordance with our conversation regarding the implementation of Microsoft Visio I offer the following.  Microsoft Visio is an advanced diagramming tool that helps organizations simplify and graphically render complex business processes.  Our firm could use Visio to generate work flow process charts for our foundation construction projects.  All of our team members understand the work items required to construct a concrete foundation however not all member clearly understand how the work items are related.  We can use Visio to create and share with our project teams work flow diagrams showing the relationships between specific activities associated with foundation construction including, site clearing, building excavation, h-pile installation, concrete pile cap construction, underground utility installation and slab on grade construction.  Visio’s charts will enable project coordinators to identify potential bottlenecks in work flow activities and or opportunities for task synergy.  

Eliminating onsite schedule delays caused by unforeseen bottlenecked activities would minimize lost work hours.  Similarly, incorporating task synergies and working on tasks at the most opportune time will lead to optimum work flow efficiency.  Using Visio to reduce lost time and increase efficiency will have a direct impact on the bottom line costs of our projects.  

Examining our upcoming Grippo project our labor and equipment budget is $300,000.00 and $150,000.00 respectively.  If Visio’s charting capability and related work flow efficiencies generate a savings of 3% the project related construction costs would be reduced by $13,500.00.  Multiple this savings across all of our projects and we’ll experience six figure savings.  Therefore, I recommend we purchase Visio ($95.00 x 2 units = $190.00), train 2 existing project coordinators to use the software (training class 2 x $500.00 = $1,000 + 16 hrs. of training pay x $40 = $640.00) and implement the use of Visio to create project work flow charts for each new foundation construction project.  Total initial investment = $190.00 + $1,000.00 + $640.00 = $1,830.00.  Expected savings on upcoming Grippo project $13,500.00.  Net benefit = $11,670.00