A flowchart is a visualization of a system or process

Typical Uses

Anytime you need to visualize, share, or modify information, whether about a process or not, a flowchart is a highly efficient tool. Flowcharts are also very effective for visualizing deficiencies in a process, and making decisions.

A flowchart is the visualization of a system or process. Consisting of 5 basic objects:

• Oval - start or end point
• Line - connectors that show relationships between things
• Parallelogram - input or output
• Rectangle - a process
• Diamond - a decision

A flowchart is one of the 7 fundamental tools of quality control, and the base for many business graphics.

Best Practices

• Start your chart. Define the start point the process or system to be visualized.
• Add a line. Draw a line from the bottom of the start point (oval) extending down a bit.
• Add a process. Draw a rectangle and write a brief description of the first process at the end of your line.
• Add a line. Draw a line from the bottom of the process (rectangle) extending down a bit.
• Indicate input and output. If the process generates an output, or needs an input to move on to the next process, add a parallelogram. Label the parallelogram with the output or input.
• Continue the process. Moving down your page, continue to add rectangles and parallelograms until you have documented everything you want to.
• Verify accuracy. Consult with all stakeholders to verify accuracy.