Infographics are popularly used in this era of information overload. Flow charts make comparing and contrasting your options much easier, especially using software that creates flowcharts. Information can be distributed more clearly with a flow chart because the charting program allows you to highlight important information factors, making it easy for readers to digest the essential details quickly. A well-designed infographic or flow chart takes advantage of space, color, and size to draw attention to what is most important.
What is a flow chart?
A flowchart is a graphical representation of a logic sequence, business or production process, organizational chart, or similar formal structure. A flowchart aims to provide people with a common language or reference point when dealing with a project or process.
Flowcharts use simple geometric symbols and arrows to describe relationships. For example, in programming, the start or end of a program is represented by an oval shape. A transaction is represented by a rectangle, while a decision is represented by a diamond shape. In addition, the Internet is specified as a cloud.
Flow: A representation of a set of logic operations to satisfy certain requirements. It can be irregular, natural, uncorrected, or fraught with problems. Therefore, it may appear as if it does not appear in some cases.
Chart: A presentation or written explanation of some regular and common parts of the flow. A chart is conducive to communication and concentration. This means the submission of references for process engineering.
What Are the Benefits of a Flow Chart?
Flowcharts improve communication. For example, when a change is made to a manufacturing process, an updated flowchart allows anyone affected to easily see the change and how it fits into the overall manufacturing system. In terms of training, flowcharts make it easier for new employees to understand how each of their steps will complete the whole process.
An important benefit of flowcharts is that they provide documentation of a process. Flowcharts are extremely helpful when problems arise, as they allow you to follow the process from one step to the next. This allows you to identify when the problem occurs easily.
The flowchart also guides managers overseeing operations. This helps ensure compliance with policies and regulations. For example, managers may refer to an accounting procedures flowchart to verify that bookkeeping activities are conducted according to generally accepted accounting principles.
In addition to the above, flowcharts have several benefits, such as:
It helps to clarify how things are currently working and how they can be improved.
It helps you find the essential elements of a process while drawing clear lines between where one action ends, and the next action begins.
It encourages communication between participants and creates a shared understanding of the process.
Most Common Types of Flowcharts
While the variations and versions of flowcharts are endless, there are four types of flowcharts that are particularly versatile. These four common diagrams are great for describing the business, manufacturing, or administrative processes, seeing how an organization works or how different departments work together.
- Process Flow Chart
A process flowchart is probably the most versatile of the four commonly used types of flowcharts. Because it can be applied to almost anything. A process flowchart can be used for the following reasons:
Plan roles and responsibilities in an organization for clarity.
Prepare a proposal for a new process or project to understand its scope and steps.
- Workflow Chart
A workflow diagram shows how a business or process works. The following example shows the steps required for a potential customer to renew a policy through a company’s site. This type of workflow diagram can be used for:
- Training of new employees
- Discovery of potential problem areas
- Clarification of business activities by showing a high-level overview
- The Swimlane Flowchart
The Swimlane flowchart is useful when showing multiple information streams side by side. Swimlane diagrams can really look like a workflow diagram. But the key point here is that it allows you to create different categories where the event happens.
A Swimlane flowchart or flowchart is excellent for documenting the entire process that interacts with different parts of an organization or requires collaboration between different teams. The following example shows how an internal department works in parallel with an outward-facing department and when they interact with each other in the process.
- Data Flow Chart
A data flowchart shows the way data is handled. Useful when you want to design or analyze a system. Although most often used for software development and software design, it can also be used to analyze any type of information flow, such as how information moves in a business. The following example shows a typical sales funnel. In this case, data is consumer behavior.
Conclusion
A flowchart is known as a diagram that illustrates a process, system, or computer algorithm. They are widely used in many fields to document, review, plan, develop, and often communicate complex processes with clear, easy-to-understand diagrams.
Flowcharts, sometimes referred to as flowcharts, use rectangles, ovals, diamonds, and potentially numerous other shapes to describe the step type, with connecting arrows to identify the flow type and sequence. They can range from simple, hand-drawn graphics to comprehensive computer-drawn diagrams illustrating multiple steps and routes.
Keep your audience in mind and pass the details on the chart to them. Open communication is the primary goal of flowcharts.
If the process you’ve drawn involves different teams or departments, consider using a float level diagram to define responsibilities and turnovers clearly.
Use on-page or off-page connectors to organize and logically stream your chart. This allows you to break up a chart into separate pages and still have a good flow.
