What is a flowchart?

What is Flowchart

→ Flowchart is a diagrammatic representation that illustrates the sequence of operations to be performed to get the desired result.

→ It is also known as a Process Flow Diagram.

→ Flowchart is one of the most important tools of the 7 QC Tools.

→ As per Wikipedia, It is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow, or sequence of operations.

Table of Contents:


Simple Meaning of Flowchart:

→ We can also understand flowcharts in simple terms that are mentioned below.

→ It is a graphical representation of a process.

→ It is a sequential flow of processes & sub-processes.

→ Process steps are shown with symbolic shapes and indicated by arrows & symbols.

→ Flowchart is one of the most important tools for the Lean Six Sigma Project.

→ This tool is used for process mapping.

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When to use Flowchart?

  • Planning a new project
  • Documenting a process
  • Managing workflow
  • For Training
  • Troubleshooting the current process
  • Designing
  • Also used for auditing purposes
  • Computer programming and algorithm


History:

→ Flowcharts were used for documentation purposes in the 1920s.

→ In the year 1921, two industrial engineers named Frank Gilbreth and Lillian Gilbreth introduced the Flow Process Chart.

→ After that in the early 1930s, another industrial engineer named Allan Morgensen used this tool to improve the efficiency of business processes.

→ In the 1940s, Art Spinanger and Ben S. Graham spread this tool across different industries.

→ Spinanger introduced the work simplification methods to Procter and Gamble (P&G).

→ In the 1950s, ASME adopted a symbol system for Flow Process Charts, derived from the Gilbreths’ original work.

→ After that flowcharts were used to develop the computer programs and algorithms.

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Milestones:

→ 1960: The American National Symbols Institute (ANSI) set standards for Flowcharts and their symbols in the 1960s.

→ 1970: The International Organizations for Standardization (ISO) adopted the ANSI symbols.

→ 1985: The current standard was revised in 1985.

→ Nowadays many software are used to prepare the process flow diagram.


How to Prepare a Flowchart?

→ Identify and define the process for the preparation of the flowchart.

→ Note down the title on the top side.

→ Define the scope and boundaries of the process such as where/when the process starts and/or ends? and different levels of process that need to be included in the diagram.

→ Brainstorm with the team about the different steps and activities of the process.

→ Arrange the activities in proper sequence.

→ After all the team members have approved the correct process step, draw the process flow diagram.

→ Review the process flow diagram with other team members who are involved in the process such as the operator, inspector, supervisors, suppliers, and customers.

→ If required then modify otherwise finalize the process flow diagram.

→ The flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows.

→ Dr. Edwards Deming's statement: "Draw a flowchart for whatever you do, Until you do, you do not know what you are doing, You just have a job.”


5 Steps to Create Basic Flowchart:

  1. Define your purpose and scope
  2. Identify the tasks in chronological order
  3. Organize tasks by types and corresponding shape
  4. Draw your chart
  5. Confirm your flowchart
5 Steps to Create Flowchart


Rules For Creating Flowcharts:

→ The process needs to start from top to down, from left to right.

→ The graph size needs to be the same and the start symbol only appears once, but the end symbol can be used more.

→ There is only one arrow path graph for the same path.

→ All symbols must be connected with an arrow line.

→ The decision symbol is associated with the arrow line.

→ The line should avoid the cross, if need crossed should be used across the graph.


Four Types of Flowcharts:

→ Sterneckert suggested that flowcharts can be prepared and shaped from the perspective of different user groups (such as managers, system analysts, clerks, etc).

⏩ Four types of flowcharts are:

  1. Document flowcharts 
  2. Data flowcharts    
  3. System flowcharts
  4. Program flowcharts

Four Types of Flowcharts

Flowchart Symbols:

→ Now we will learn about the different types of symbols that are used in flowcharts.

→ There are many symbols used in the chart preparation but out of that, we will learn about the most common symbols.

⏩ The most common flowchart symbols are:

  • Oval
  • Flowline / Arrow line
  • Diamond
  • Rectangle
  • Parallelogram
  • Single document graph
  • Multiple documents graph
  • Delay Activity

(a) Oval:

→ This is used for Start and End activity or we can say the beginning or end of a program.

→ In this symbol generally "Start" or "End" words are used or other phrases used such as "submit inquiry" or "receive product".

(b) Flowline / Arrow line:

→ The flowline or arrow line shows the order of operation.

→ Arrow line used to indicate line coming from one symbol and ending at another

(c) Diamond:

→ Diamond is used for decision-making purposes.

→For yes/no or true/false activity, we use a diamond.

(d) Rectangle:

→ We use a rectangle for change the value, shape, or location of data.

→ For different symbol, their use, and example refer to the below picture.

Flowchart Symbols

(e) Parallelogram:

→ The parallelogram is used for input and output data.

→ It is also used for entering data or displaying results.

(f) Single document graph:

→ It is used to display a single document in any process.

(g) Multiple documents graph:

→ It is used to display multiple documents in any process.

(h) Delay Activity:

→ The Delay shape represents a waiting period where no activity is done.

→ For different symbol, their use, and example refer to the below picture.

Process Flow Diagram Symbols

Flow Charts Examples:

Refer to the below-mentioned four different categories of flowcharts.

  1. Macro
  2. Mini
  3. Micro
  4. Matrix Flowchart

→ Now we will see examples as mentioned below for each category.

(1) Macro Flowchart:

→ The macro flowchart shows only the major steps of the process in the chart.

→ For better understanding we have taken one example of a macro flowchart.

→ In this example, we can see starting activity, end activity, and very few middle activities.

(2) Mini Flowchart:

→ The mini flowchart is in little detail as compared to the macro flowchart.

→ Refer to the below picture for an example of a mini flowchart.

(3) Micro Flowchart:

→ The micro flowchart is a very detailed chart compared to the two previously explained charts.

→ In the micro flowchart we need to mention all activities in detail during the creation of the chart.

→ We have mentioned the different charts with examples in the below picture.

Examples of Flowcharts

(4) Matrix Flowchart:

→ Matrix flowchart is a very effective chart.

→ In this chart, we need to mention process steps with the department and responsible person as a part of the matrix.

→ So we can easily understand which process step belongs to which department and who is responsible for that step and control.

→ For better understanding refer below example.

Example of Matrix Flowchart

Benefits of Flowchart:

  • Improve process understanding
  • Provide a tool for training
  • Identify problem areas and improvement opportunities
  • Define and analyze processes in an easy way
  • Improved communication
  • Streamlined process and easy documentation
  • It is an effective tool for problem-solving and decision-making
  • Provide visual clarity


Conclusion:

→ Flowcharts are very useful tools in different fields for representing processes, systems, or algorithms through diagrams.

→ It helps us in different ways that are mentioned below.

→ Flowcharts provide a clear and visual representation of complex processes.

→ With this we can easily understand any complex process very easily.

→ They enhance communication among team members by providing common visual signage language so all are on the same page.

→ Flowcharts are very useful to identify bottlenecks in any process.

→ It helps for documentation of any process and we can easily train new employees.

→ It is very useful to make the right decision by knowing about the consequences of different choices.

→ By using this tool, we can eliminate unnecessary steps from the process and make our process more efficient.

→ Flowcharts is a very flexible tool so we can easily modify and incorporate different changes in processes.

→ So finally, we can say that flowcharts are essential tools that strengthen our understanding, communication, problem-solving, documentation, decision-making, efficiency, and flexibility within various contexts.

20 تعليقات

  1. Very good explanation it is very easy to understand.
    Good job bro

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  2. hello sir , superb your notes and you .i,m study core tools . its very simple .
    thanks sir .
    best regard
    vineet kr. sagwal

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  3. Thank you for your effort of making these notes easy & simple to understand.

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    الردود
    1. Your notes are systemic presented so very easy to understand.

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  4. Hi.. Thank you for sharing valuable information. Can you please explain matrix flowchart with a few more example wrt manufacturing sector? Also how to put a flowchart for feedback mechanism?

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    الردود
    1. Sure we will do needful. Thanks for your valuable feedback

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  5. Why can't we download this slides ... And too much advertisement.

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  6. Mr.Nikunj .can I have your contact number

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  7. Very excellent explanation with example.

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  8. Hello sir, i am a diploma engineer trainee and i do my internship in projects management dept. Can u provide me projects management documents like time line,gcr,are u ready etc etc

    If possible please provide.
    Thanks with best regards
    Soumen Tantubay

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