5 Excellent Strategic Planning Tools - Pricing, Pros, & Cons
In the fast-paced world of business, it is vital to have a well-thought-out plan. Thus, strategic plans offer a way to establish a vision for the future of a business. But creating it can be a challenging task for many. So, that’s where strategic planning tools come to the rescue. Yet note that not all these software are the same and appropriate for everyone. And so, we’ll provide 5 leading tools and review them one by one. We have also included a comparison chart for these strategic planning software.
- Part 1. Strategic Planning Software
- Part 2. Strategic Planning Tools Comparison Chart
- Part 3. FAQs about Strategic Planning Software
As one main writer of MindOnMap's editorial team, I always provide real and verified information in my posts. Here are what I usually do before writing:
- After selecting the topic about strategic planning software, I always do a lot of research on Google and in forums to list the software that users care about the most.
- Then I use all the strategic planning tools mentioned in this post and spend hours or even days testing them one by one.
- Considering the key features and limitations of these strategic planning programs, I conclude what use cases these tools are best for.
- Also, I look through users' comments on the strategic planning software to make my review more objective.
Part 1. Strategic Planning Software
1. MindOnMap
First on the list is MindOnMap. If you want to view your strategic plans in a visual presentation, MindOnMap can help you. It is a reliable online tool to create any type of diagram. Also, it is accessible to various popular web browsers, like Safari, Chrome, Edge, and more. Further, it provides various templates, such as treemaps, fishbone diagrams, and so on. Personalizing your work with the use of provided shapes, themes, etc, is also possible. But note that MindOnMap is not a dedicated strategic planning software. But the good news is you can make plans and strategies in a creative and visual way with it. Plus, you can share your work with your teams or others. That way, everyone is on the same page.
Secure Download
Secure Download
Offline/Online: Online & Offline
Price: Free
PROS
- Clean and easy-to-understand user interface.
- Easy to use for brainstorming and idea organization.
- Supports creative visual thinking.
- Provides customization options, such as choosing a theme, shapes, styles, and more.
- Create any diagram without spending any penny.
CONS
- It may not be suitable for complex project management.
2. Anaplan
Anaplan is another online tool for strategic planning. It is a helpful method for big companies to boost their sales with agile strategies. So, Anaplan enables you to make plans for your sales targets, quotes, and divide strategies. With it, you can turn your ideas into practical plans. Then, use predictions to make your sales process work better. Further, it includes interactive dashboards, KPI tracking, custom planning models, and so on.
Offline/Online: Online
Price: Pricing is available upon request, tailored to the organization's needs.
PROS
- Suitable for sales and financial planning.
- Capable of constructing intricate models for informed decision-making.
- Adaptable solution that is beneficial for various business aspects.
CONS
- It slows down when processing extensive datasets.
- Limited notification choices are available.
3. Airtable
Airtable is a cloud-based tool that lets users make, arrange, and save data for projects. It's not only for planning but also for keeping reports and managing how you work with customers. You can use it to make special boards to watch over your goals. Then, check how things are going and assign tasks. If you're not sure how to start, do not fret. Airtable offers templates for planning that are easy to use.
Offline/Online: Online, with limited offline access.
Price: Plus - $12 per user/month; Pro - $24 per user/month
PROS
- Great for project management and data organization.
- It is versatile and simple to use.
- Offers a real-time collaboration for seamless communication.
- Access from any device.
CONS
- Costs can add up for larger teams.
- Limited offline access.
4. Hive
Hive blends strategic planning with task-oriented management. Using Hive, you can make, set, and visualize your progress. Also, it includes tools for setting goals and tracking progress. So, it is easier to switch from the big plans to handling specific or smaller projects. Moreover, Hive Pages is a dashboard that you can use for strategic tracking. It will be a helpful tool if you want to have full control over your planning process.
Offline/Online: Online, with mobile apps for offline access.
Price: $12 per user/month for Teams. Price for Enterprise is available upon request.
PROS
- Task management and real-time collaboration features.
- Task management and real-time collaboration features.
- Offers an intuitive interface.
- Automated notifications for better visibility in the planning process.
CONS
- The chat function may lose messages, making it less reliable.
- Limited mobile app features compared to the website and desktop app.
5. AchieveIt
AchieveIt is another project management software. It is a tool that helps you make dashboards for guiding meetings and discussions. It also provides insightful reports to determine the gap in your strategic plans. Using it, you have the freedom to visualize your data in various ways. You can arrange your goals and concepts in trees, lists, Gantt charts, or Kanban boards. Creating multi-plan views helps you learn the bigger picture across different departments. AchieveIt proves to be an excellent tool that relies on data-driven insights.
Offline/Online: Online
Price: Pricing is available upon request, customized to the organization's needs.
PROS
- Automation capabilities.
- Real-time updates for better tracking.
- Templates to assist in organizing your business strategy.
CONS
- Lack of portfolio management functions.
- Setting goals and milestone dates could be more straightforward.
Part 2. Strategic Planning Tools Comparison Chart
| Software | Supported Platforms | Supported Browsers | Mobile Compatibility | Annotation Tools | Other Features | Best for |
| MindOnMap | Web-based, Windows & Mac app versions | Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and more. | Web-based access for Android and iOS devices | Comprehensive annotation tools | Versatile mind mapping, diagram making, applicable for various scenario-planning | Beginner to professional users |
| Anaplan | Web-based | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari | App versions for Android and iOS devices | Limited annotation tools | Real-time collaboration, integrations with other software | Professional users |
| Airtable | Web-based & Limited Offline app access | Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari | App versions for Android and iOS devices | Limited annotation tools | Customizable views such as gird, calendar, and Kanban board | Beginner users |
| Hive | Web-based & Accessible on Mobile Devices | Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge | App versions for Android and iOS devices | Extensive annotation tools | Automated workflows, integrations with other apps and services | Beginner users |
| AchieveIt | Web-based | Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari | Web-based access for Android and iOS devices | Limited annotation tools | Data-driven, collaboration features | Professional users |
Part 3. FAQs about Strategic Planning Software
What are the 4 types of strategic management?
There are 4 four types of strategic management you need to remember. These are business, operational, transformational, and functional strategies.
What is strategic planning software?
Strategic planning software is a tool designed to help organizations. It enables them to create, design, and execute their strategic plans.
What are the six keys to successful strategic planning?
The 6 keys to successful strategic planning are:
1. Gather your team, schedule meetings, and make a timeline.
2. Rely on data rather than making assumptions.
3. Confirm your mission, vision, and values statements.
4. Emphasize transparency.
5. Consider the long-term perspective beyond the strategic plan.
6. Take action, especially in leadership roles.
Conclusion
To sum up, you’ve got to know the different strategic planning tools you can use. These tools offer a good solution that is easy to use and accessible to all. Among the options, MindOnMap stands out as a great choice and intuitive software. Whether you’re a professional or a beginner in strategic planning, this tool can help you. To know more about its offered features and full capabilities, try it now!
