Flow Charts - What Is a Flow Chart? When to Use a Flowchart? Flowchart Symbols & Components

 

Flow Charts

 

 

Flow charts are a useful tool in many situations, as we make a process easy to understand at a glance. Using just a few words and some simple symbols, they show clearly what happens at each stage and how this affects other decisions and actions.

 

What Is a Flow Chart?

 

 

In 1921, the Frank and Lillian presented what was only a "graphic-based method" in a presentation titled: “Process Charts: First Steps in Finding the One Best Way to do Work”, to members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

When to Use a Flowchart?

 

 

Flowchart is a very simple yet powerful tool to improve productivity in both our personal and work life. Here are some ways flowchart can be helpful:

 

·     Document a process

·     Present solution to a problem

·     Brainstorm ideas in a meeting

·     Design an operation system

·     Explain a decision making process

·     Store information

·     Draw an organizational chart

·     Create a visual user journey

·     Create a sitemap

 

Flowchart Symbols & Components

 

Flowchart Symbols

 

1.   Flowline: Shows the step's direction. Each flow line connects two blocks. This component is represented by lines with arrows indicating the flow's direction. Users can also add text on top of flow line to add more context to the step.

2.   Terminal Symbol: Indicates the beginning or end of a flowchart. This symbols is indicated by the oval shape.

 

Often, you'll see the word "Start" or "End" in a terminal component. In a large flowchart, having terminal symbols helps users quickly identify where the flowchart begins so they can actually begin reading the process.

 

3.   Process Symbol: Represent a step in a process. This is the most common component of a flowchart. Process symbol is represented by the rectangle shape. 

 

4.   Decision Symbol: Shows a step that decides the next step in a process. This is commonly a yes/no or true/false question. Decision is represented by the diamond shape

Typically, from this decision symbol, there will be two flow lines that branch out. Often, these flow lines will have the texts "Yes" and "No", indicating the decision to be made.

 

5.   Input / Output Symbol: Indicates the process of inputting or outputting external data. Input / Output is represented by the parallelogram shape.

 

6.   Annotation / Comment: Indicates additional information regarding a step in a process.

 

7.   Predefined Process: Shows named process which is defined elsewhere.

8.   On-page Connector: Pairs of on-page connecter are used to replace long lines on a flowchart page.

How to create a flowchart

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Step 1: Map out major steps

In most cases, you can start with terminal symbol, and start drawing more process symbols (rectangles) for the next steps, and continue working your way through the end of the process. Because flowcharts are read left to right and top to bottom, make sure to draw your terminal symbol at the top left corner of your workspace.

Step 2: Input the details

Fill in the remaining steps. We recommend working in the natural order of the process. An optional step here is to style your chart with different shapes and color to make it easier to follow.

Step 3: Test your result

Work through all the steps in your chart to make sure they are clear and exhaustive, and that there is no unintended open-ended node remained. When there is a decision point, make sure the options cover all possible scenarios.

Step 4: Gather feedback on your flow chart

Share a draft of the flowchart and get feedback from the intended users. If the flow chart is meant just for yourself then you can skip this step. But if the chart is meant for a team or a group of people, then it’s important to get their feedback to make sure that your flowchart is accurate and helpful.

Step 5: Publish the flowchart

Flowcharts should be made easily accessible to all parties involved. So make sure you publish your work in the right place.

Types of Flowcharts

·       Process Flowchart

·       Process Map

·       Process Flow Diagram

·       Workflow Chart

·       Workflow Diagram

·       Data Flow Diagram

·       System Flowchart

 

 

 

Examples of Flow Chart

 Add 2 no input from user.

 

 Flowchart Example: Making a Cup of Tea

 

Flowchart Example: Temperature to Celsius Conversion

Find Odd Even

 

And Many More…..

#Happy Codding