As you have probably discovered, the degree to which the roadmapping process is automated is really up to you.
At the low end, you can get by with a word processing application (e.g. MS Word) and some basic drawing tools (e.g. MS Visio). The implication here is that the roadmapping process is completely manual. In this scenario, the roadmap itself is more suited to communication than analysis. The extent to which the roadmap is a living arifact boils down to how often you decide to conduct the manual process (e.g. quartlerly) and update the associated roadmap documentation.
In the mid-range, you can use a tool or tools to support the semantics of roadmapping. For example, although MS Project was not intended as a roadmapping tool, the semantics of project management are sufficiently close to those of roadmapping that you can use MS Project to create and maintain a (basic) roadmap. Alternately, you might consider some freeware/shareware that supports basic roadmapping (leave a comment with your email address and I'll be happy to suggest one).
At the top end, you can use a tool that was specifically designed with roadmapping in mind, such as the Alignent Vision Strategist.
After trying the tool out, here are my observations:
Pros
- this is more than a roadmapping tool, it is really a general-purpose repository with built-in support for roadmapping concepts, hence you will find all the features that you would normally associate with a bona fide repository
- supports analysis as well as communication
- roadmap is a living artifact
- product is easy to use (if you already understand roadmapping concepts)
Cons
- since this is more than a simple roadmapping tool, the price tag may cause you to faint off momentarily, hence you should remain seated when reviewing a quote from the vendor
- the graphics are effective but not flashy, hence if you want to make a presentation to the board, you will still need to retain the services of a graphic artist to embellish the output
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
