A block diagram is a specialized, high-level flowchart. It utilizes a structured form to present a high-level overview of major process steps, key process participants and relationships with internal and external interfaces.

Typical Uses

A block diagram is used to describe and improve existing processes, and to design new processes. A block diagram provides a quick, high-level view of the work and rapidly identifies process points of interest. Because of its high-level perspective, it may not offer the level of detail required for more comprehensive planning or analysis. Team members who construct a block diagram must have a clear understanding of how the process operates.

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 what the output or input is.
• 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.