What Is a Flowchart?

Definition: Flowchart

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process, depicting the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows. This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution model to a given problem. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting, or managing a process or program in various fields.

Introduction to Flowcharts

Flowcharts are widely utilized in many disciplines including programming, project management, and business process modeling. Their simplicity and clarity make them a valuable tool for communicating how processes work, and for showing decision points, process steps, and other key components in a visually intuitive manner.

Features of Flowcharts

Variety of Symbols

Flowcharts use a set of standardized symbols such as ovals (to represent start and end points), rectangles (for instructions or actions), diamonds (for decision points), and parallelograms (for input/output operations). Each symbol has a specific meaning and context where it is appropriately used.

Sequential Flow

One of the key features of flowcharts is that they show the sequence of steps in a process in a clear, visual layout. Arrows connect the symbols and indicate the flow from one step to the next.

Decision Points

Flowcharts are particularly useful for mapping out processes that involve multiple decision points. They can clearly show where decisions are required and what the outcomes of those decisions could be.

Clarity and Communication

Flowcharts can simplify complex processes, making them easy to understand at a glance. This makes them excellent tools for ensuring that everyone involved in a process has a clear understanding of each step and how they interconnect.

Benefits of Using Flowcharts

Improved Process Understanding

Creating a flowchart can help individuals and teams better understand the process being documented. This understanding is crucial when processes are complex or involve multiple stakeholders.

Enhanced Problem Solving

Flowcharts enable users to break down a problem into its constituent steps in a systematic way. This can help in identifying inefficiencies or bottlenecks in a process, facilitating more effective problem-solving strategies.

Efficient Training Tools

Flowcharts are excellent training aids. They can help new employees understand a company’s operational processes quickly and thoroughly, reducing training time and enhancing productivity.

Documentation and Quality Control

Flowcharts provide a useful means for documenting processes for quality control purposes. They help ensure consistency and quality throughout an operation or in project execution.

How Flowcharts Work

Creating a flowchart involves several steps:

1. Identify the process to be diagrammed. Clearly define the boundaries of what you are depicting. This might be a customer service process, a software algorithm, or any other activity.
2. Gather the necessary information. This includes all the steps, decisions, and outputs of the process.
3. Decide on the appropriate symbols to use for each step. Use standard flowchart symbols to represent different types of actions and decisions.
4. Draw out the flowchart. Use arrows to show the flow of the process. Start with the first step, and follow through to each possible outcome until the end of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Flowchart