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Flowchart Guide for Process Improvement

A flowchart is a diagram that visually represents the steps in a process. It uses standard symbols like boxes, arrows, and diamonds to show the sequence and flow of activities. A flowchart can be used to document, analyze, improve, and communicate any process. The basic steps to create a flowchart are to define the process, brainstorm the activities, arrange them in order, draw the flow with arrows, and review it with others involved. Key considerations include involving all relevant parties and not worrying about drawing it perfectly as long as it helps understand the process. Common symbols include boxes for steps, arrows for flow, and diamonds for decisions.

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108 views2 pages

Flowchart Guide for Process Improvement

A flowchart is a diagram that visually represents the steps in a process. It uses standard symbols like boxes, arrows, and diamonds to show the sequence and flow of activities. A flowchart can be used to document, analyze, improve, and communicate any process. The basic steps to create a flowchart are to define the process, brainstorm the activities, arrange them in order, draw the flow with arrows, and review it with others involved. Key considerations include involving all relevant parties and not worrying about drawing it perfectly as long as it helps understand the process. Common symbols include boxes for steps, arrows for flow, and diamonds for decisions.

Uploaded by

carl
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2.

1 Process Flow Chart


3. Brainstorm the activities that take place. Write each
on a card or sticky note.

Description and Parameters


4. Arrange the activities in proper sequence.
5. When all activities are included and everyone
agrees that the sequence is correct, draw arrows to
show the flow of the process.
What is a Flowchart? 6. Review the flowchart with others involved in the
process (workers, supervisors, suppliers, customers) to
Also called: process flowchart, process flow diagram see if they agree that the process is drawn accurately.

Variations: macro flowchart, top-down flowchart, detailed


 
flowchart (also called process map, micro map, service map,
or symbolic flowchart), deployment flowchart (also called Flowchart Considerations
down-across or cross-functional flowchart), several-leveled
flowchart  Don’t worry about drawing the flowchart the "right
way." Ultimately, the right way is the way that helps
A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in
those involved understand the process.
sequential order. It is a generic tool that can be adapted for
 Identify and involve in the flowcharting process all
a wide variety of purposes, and can be used to describe
key people involved with the process. This includes
various processes, such as a manufacturing process, an
suppliers, customers, and supervisors. Involve them in
administrative or service process, or a project plan. It's a
the actual flowcharting sessions by interviewing them
common process analysis tool and one of the seven basic
before the sessions and/or by showing them the
quality tools. 
developing flowchart between work sessions and
obtaining their feedback.
Elements that may be included in a flowchart are a
 Do not assign a "technical expert" to draw the
sequence of actions, materials or services entering or
flowchart. People who actually perform the process
leaving the process (inputs and outputs), decisions that must
should do it.
be made, people who become involved, time involved at
each step, and/or process measurements. 
 
When to Use a Flowchart
Flowchart Examples
 To develop understanding of how a process is 1. High-Level Flowchart for an Order-Filling Process
done
 To study a process for improvement
 To communicate to others how a process is done
 When better communication is needed between
people involved with the same process
 To document a process
 When planning a project 2. Detailed Flowchart

Flowchart Basic Procedure

Materials needed: Sticky notes or cards, a large piece of


flipchart paper or newsprint, and marking pens.

1. Define the process to be diagrammed. Write its title


at the top of the work surface.
2. Discuss and decide on the boundaries of your
process: Where or when does the process start? Where
or when does it end? Discuss and decide on the level of
detail to be included in the diagram.
Delay or wait

Link to another page or another flowchart. The


same symbol on the other page indicates that the flow
continues there.

 Input or output

Document

Alternate symbols for start and


end points

Commonly Used Symbols in Detailed Flowcharts

One step in the process. The step is written inside


the box. Usually, only one arrow goes out of the box.

 Direction of flow from one step or decision to


another.

 Decision based on a question. The question is


written in the diamond. More than one arrow goes out of
the diamond, each one showing the direction the process
takes for a given answer to the question. (Often the answers
are "yes" and "no.")

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