Flowcharting is the act of creating a visual map of a process. It uses standard symbols to show steps in order. Balinh.com explores what it is, its symbols, and the common types you need to know.
What is flowcharting and its core purpose?
Flowcharting is, at its simplest, the act of creating a diagram known as a flowchart. A flowchart is a visual representation of a process, system, or algorithm. (A flowchart visualizes a process.) This isn't just a collection of boxes; it's a powerful tool for visual process documentation.
Think of it as process mapping or workflow diagramming. Its main purpose is to take a complex workflow or set of sequential process steps and make them clear and easy to understand for everyone. A flowchart shows process steps in a sequential order.
 |
| What is flowcharting and its core purpose? |
The core purpose of flowcharting is twofold: process documentation and process analysis.
Documentation: It creates a formal, visual record of how a process works. This is vital for training, quality management, and ensuring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed. Flowcharting documents processes.
Analysis: This is where the real power lies. A process analysis uses a flowchart. When a process is broken down into steps, you can finally see it clearly. A flowchart identifies bottlenecks. It also identifies inefficiencies.
This diagramming a process is essential for process improvement. It's also a foundational tool in programming and systems analysis for algorithm design and logic design. Programming uses flowcharting. Ultimately, flowcharting aids communication by creating a simple, shared language.
Understanding the basic symbols used in flowcharting
A flowchart uses symbols. (In fact, a flowchart uses standardized symbols.) These shapes are not random; each has a specific meaning. These symbols represent actions, decisions, or data. To understand a diagram, you must first know the flowchart symbols meaning.
All the symbols are connected by arrows, which are also called flowlines. Let's look at the most common ones.
The terminator for start and end points
The Oval is the terminator. The Oval represents start/end points. (The Oval signifies start and the Oval signifies end.) Every single process starts with an Oval and ends with an Oval. This clearly marks the boundaries of your workflow.
The rectangle for process steps
The Rectangle is the most common symbol. A rectangle represents a process step. (The rectangle signifies a task.) This is any action or operation. For example: "Pack Order" or "Calculate Total." A process has steps, and most of those steps will be represented by rectangles.
The diamond for decision points
The Diamond signals a decision. A diamond represents a decision. (The diamond signifies a decision.) This is any point where the process splits, usually based on a "Yes/No" or "True/False" question. The diamond leads to branches, allowing the flowchart to show different paths.
The parallelogram for input and output
The Parallelogram represents data. (A parallelogram represents input/output.) This shows when data enters the process (Input) or data leaves the process (Output). (A parallelogram signifies input, and a parallelogram signifies output.) Examples include "Receive Customer Order" (Input) or "Print Invoice" (Output).
The arrow to show direction of flow
The Arrow, or Flowline, is the connector. The arrow shows the direction of flow. Arrows indicate sequence and connect the other symbols, guiding the reader from one step to the next.
Common types of flowcharts for different scenarios
Flowcharting is flexible. You can use different types of flowcharts for different goals. While a basic process flowchart is common, some are more specialized.
The process flowchart for general workflows
This is the one most people picture. It's a simple, top-down diagram that maps out the sequential process steps. It's perfect for most business process flowchart needs, like mapping a sales funnel or an approval workflow.
The swimlane flowchart to clarify roles
A swimlane flowchart (or cross-functional flowchart) is a game-changer for complex processes. A swimlane flowchart divides the process into horizontal or vertical "lanes." Each lane represents a department, team, or person.
It organizes by department, so you can see not just what is happening, but who is responsible. Managers use swimlane flowcharts all the time because a swimlane flowchart clarifies responsibilities and hand-offs.
The program flowchart for designing algorithms
In software development, developers use a program flowchart. A program flowchart outlines algorithm logic. (An algorithm is represented by a program flowchart.) This is a key tool for logic design, allowing a programmer to plan the steps and decisions in a piece of code before writing it.
Other types include the data flow diagram, which tracks data movement, and the system flowchart, which describes a system at a high level.
The key benefits of flowcharting in business and programming
So, why should your team start flowcharting? As we often see at Balinh.com, the benefits of flowcharting are immediate and practical.
For business, it's a core component of Business Process Management (BPM).
Clarity: It turns a complex, invisible process into a clear, simple diagram.
Efficiency: It's the best way to spot and eliminate redundant steps or bottlenecks.
Communication: It improves communication and alignment across teams.
Training: It's an excellent tool for training new employees on a workflow.
For programming and project management:
Planning: Flowcharting plans algorithms and project phases before you commit resources.
Problem-Solving: It's a key tool for troubleshooting. A flowchart aids problem-solving by letting you trace the steps to find where things went wrong.
Business uses flowcharting to get smarter. Programming uses flowcharting to build better.
How to create a basic flowchart for a process
Ready to learn how to make a flowchart? You don't need expensive flowchart software to start.
Define Your Process: First, decide what process you are mapping. Give it a title. Clearly define its start and end points.
List the Steps: Brainstorm all the actions and decisions involved. Don't worry about the order yet.
Draw the Chart: Grab a whiteboard or paper. Start with a Terminator (Oval) labeled "Start."
Add Actions and Decisions: Add your steps one by one, using Rectangles for actions and Diamonds for decision points.
Show the Flow: Connect the symbols with Arrows to show the sequential order. Make sure every path flows from the "Start" Oval to the "End" Oval.
Review: Ask a coworker to review it. Does it make sense? Did you miss any steps?
 |
| How to create a basic flowchart for a process |
Practical examples of flowcharting in action
Let's look at a few simple flowchart examples to bring it all together.
Business Process Example (Customer Support):
Start (Oval)
Receive Customer Call (Parallelogram)
Is it a Technical Issue? (Diamond)
No: -> Transfer to Billing (Rectangle)
Yes: -> Gather Details (Rectangle) -> Create Support Ticket (Rectangle)
Issue Resolved? (Diamond)
No: -> Escalate to Tier 2 (Rectangle)
Yes: -> Close Ticket (Rectangle)
End (Oval)
Programming Example (Login Logic):
Start (Oval)
Get User Credentials (Parallelogram)
Credentials Valid? (Diamond)
No: -> Display Error Message (Parallelogram) -> (Arrow back to "Get User Credentials")
Yes: -> Load User Dashboard (Rectangle)
End (Oval)
These examples of business process modeling show how flowcharting turns complex logic into a clear, visual map.
Flowcharting is a vital skill for visualizing and improving any process. What processes will you map? Share this article, or leave a comment below. Keep learning with Balinh.com!
Post a Comment