Visio process mapping alternative – Gluu
As a former IDC analyst, I’ve taken a fact-based approach to comparing Gluu and Microsoft Visio process mapping alternative. While both support process visualization, they serve different purposes. Visio is great for all kinds of diagramming, while Gluu is designed to manage and improve real business processes. Here’s a structured comparison to help you decide.
User reviews compared
Gluu generally receives higher user ratings for customer support, ease of use, and value for money. Visio is praised for its drawing capabilities but lacks features that support governance and process execution.
Review comparison available at softwareadvice.com
Interfaces compared
Visio is best suited to users with design or technical backgrounds who need flexibility in diagramming. Gluu is designed for business users to manage daily operations, with built-in guides, approvals, and task execution support.
Screenshot from Gluu
Screenshot from Visio
Use cases compared
This is the result from ChatGPT 5 Thinking’s from the prompt “write a comparison table where Gluu is objectively compared with Visio for process mapping on the following parametres”:
| Criteria | Gluu | Visio |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Easy to implement and use | ✅ No-code, SaaS-based setup; users can start in minutes | ❌ Requires Microsoft installation and training to use effectively |
| #2 Makes your standard way of working easy to understand | ✅ Visual process maps with embedded roles, tasks, and guides | ❌ Focused on drawing diagrams, not guiding how work is done |
| #3 Enables ongoing communications and feedback | ✅ Comments, @mentions, approval workflows, and Teams integration | ❌ Limited to static diagrams; no feedback or collaboration mechanisms built in |
| #4 Makes processes easier to execute the right way | ✅ Task lists, instructions, and execution tracking included | ❌ Only documents the process; doesn’t support execution or tracking |
| #5 Collects input and data to improve business processes | ✅ Includes forms, dashboards, and exportable activity data | ❌ No native data collection or forms; requires external tools |
| #6 Integrates with other systems to automate tasks | ✅ REST API, OpenAPI 2.0, MS Azure-native, supports automation layers | ❌ Limited integration; manual exports or use with other MS tools needed |
| #7 Ensures solid governance around processes | ✅ ISO 27001:2022 aligned; version control, roles, and audit logs | ❌ Diagrams can be changed freely; lacks built-in governance features |
| #8 Can work directly with AI agents | ✅ Open APIs allow integration with external AI assistants | ❌ No direct AI support; relies on other Microsoft services for automation |
Features compared
Visio is primarily a diagramming tool with a strong focus on flowcharts, organizational charts, and visuals. Gluu is a comprehensive platform for process orchestration, including modeling, task execution, compliance, and feedback loops. The feature sets reflect these different goals.
Gluu
Visio
Total Features
94
Key Features
Task Management
Workflow Management
Process Modeling & Designing
Access Controls/Permissions
Workflow Configuration
Task Progress Tracking
Complete list of features on getapp.com
Total Features
53
Key Features
Diagramming
Process Modeling & Designing
Drag-and-drop Interface
Graphical Workflow Editor
Data Visualization
Data Import/Export
Complete list of features on getapp.com
Reasons to choose one over the other
Choose Gluu if… you want a complete platform for mapping, executing, and continuously improving business processes. It supports roles, tasks, documentation, compliance, and collaboration.
Choose Visio if… your main need is to create detailed process diagrams, org charts, and visuals—especially if you are already using Microsoft Office tools.
