Flow Chart
Flowcharts
A Flowchart is a diagram that uses graphic
symbols to depict the nature and flow of the steps in a process.
When is it used?
A flowchart should be used when a team needs to do one or more of the
following... · See how a whole process works · Identify the critical
points, bottlenecks, or problem areas in a process · See how the different
steps in the process are related · Identify the "ideal" flow
of a process from start to finish · Design a new work process How is
it made?
Follow these basic steps in completing a flow chart...
- Agree on the work process needing the flowchart.
- Agree on the beginning and ending point of the work process. This
helps to keep the team focused.
- Brainstorm the major steps in the work process. Do not worry about
the sequence at this point.
- Put the major steps in the proper sequence. As this is done, the
team may begin to add minor points.
After all steps have been identified and sequenced,
- Assign the appropriate symbols to each step.
- Connect the steps with arrows to show the flow of the process.
- Test the flowchart to make sure all the necessary steps have
been included.
- Finalize the flowchart.
Three types of Flowcharts:
PROCESS FLOWCHART
A process flowchart is the most familiar type. The process flowchart
moves through the process from start to finish. It is most useful when
analyzing a specific function or activity where there is no need to
identify customers and/or suppliers.
Process Flowchart Symbols
DEPLOYMENT FLOWCHART
A deployment flowchart is useful when analyzing a process that involves
more than one department or several individuals. When a process calls
for a deployment flowchart, it may first be helpful to construct a process
flowchart with only the major steps and then modify it by assigning
the appropriate departments or individuals to each step.
OPPORTUNITY FLOWCHART
An Opportunity Flowchart differentiates process activities that add
value from those that add cost only.
Value-added steps (VA) are essential for producing the required product
or service. In other words, the output cannot be produced without
them.
Cost-added-only steps (CAO) are not essential for producing the required
product or service. They may be added to a process in anticipation
of something that might go wrong, or because of something that has
gone wrong. For example, end-of-process inspection might be instituted
because of defects, errors, or omissions that occurred in the past.
Symbols Used in Flowcharts
 START/END
- This indicates the beginning and ending of a process, simply called
process boundaries.
PROCESS STEPS
- This represents an individual step or activity in the process.
DECISION BOX
- This shows a decision point, such as YES/NO or GO / NO GO.
- Each path emerging from the diamond must be labeled with one of
the possible answers.
FLOWLINE
- This indicates the direction flow of a process.
ON-PAGE CONNECTOR
- A circle indicates that a particular step of the process is connected
within the page.
- By standard, the connector uses a numerical value to indicate the
sequence of the connector.
OFF-PAGE CONNECTOR
- A pentagon indicates that a particular step of the process is connected
in a different page.
- By standard, the connector uses an alphabet to indicate the sequence
of the connector.
SINGLE-PAGE DOCUMENT
- Indicates that a certain step produce a singularly distributed document.
MULTI-PAGE DOCUMENT
- Indicates that a certain process step produce a document with a
multiple distribution.
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