Flowcharting is a method of visually representing the steps, sequence, and decisions of a process, system, or workflow using standardized symbols and connecting lines.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what flowcharting is, its purpose, common symbols, and the steps to create one.
1. What is Flowcharting and its Purpose?
A flowchart is a common type of process map that uses shapes (symbols) and arrows to graphically illustrate a process in sequential order.
Key Purposes of Flowcharting:
- Process Analysis and Improvement: Flowcharts make complex processes easier to understand, analyze, and improve. They help identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, redundant steps (non-value-added steps), and potential flaws.
- Visual Communication: They simplify complex ideas and systems, making the process clear for all stakeholders, which improves communication across teams.
- Documentation and Standardization: Flowcharts serve as concise, easy-to-understand documentation for a process, aiding in standardization and serving as a reference for training new employees.
- Problem Solving and Decision Making: By mapping out a process, flowcharts help in problem-solving by providing a “bigger picture.” They also visualize decision points and their consequences, enabling more informed, data-driven decisions.
- System/Algorithm Design: They are critical in computer programming and software engineering to design algorithms and conceptualize software architecture.
2. Common Flowcharting Symbols and Their Meaning
Flowcharts use specific, standardized symbols to represent different types of steps and actions.
| Symbol (Shape) | Name | Meaning |
| Oval/Pill Shape | Terminal | Represents the Start or End point of the process. |
| Rectangle | Process / Action | Represents a single step, action, or operation in the process. This is the workhorse symbol. |
| Diamond | Decision | Indicates a decision point or a question that must be answered, typically a Yes/No or True/False question. Multiple paths branch out from this symbol. |
| Parallelogram | Input/Output (Data) | Represents material or information entering or leaving the system, such as receiving an input or generating a report (output). |
| Arrow | Flow Line | Shows the direction and sequence of the steps in the process. |
| Cylinder | Stored Data / Database | Indicates a structured list of searchable data or a storage file. |
| Rectangle with Wavy Bottom | Document | Represents a step that results in a document (e.g., a report, form, or email). |
| Small Circle | On-page Connector | Indicates that the flow continues to another part of the same page (used to avoid long, messy flow lines). |
3. How to Create a Flowchart (Step-by-Step)
Creating an effective flowchart typically involves these steps:
- Determine the Purpose and Scope: Clearly define the process you want to map. Identify where the process starts and where it ends (the boundaries), and the level of detail you need to include.
- Identify the Steps and Sequence: List all the tasks, activities, and actions involved in the process in the correct chronological order.
- Choose the Appropriate Symbols: Assign the correct flowchart symbol to each identified step (e.g., an oval for the start, a rectangle for a task, a diamond for a decision).
- Draw the Flowchart (Connect the Elements): Draw the shapes and connect them with arrows (flow lines) to clearly show the direction and sequence of the process from start to finish. Ensure every path from a decision point is labeled (e.g., “Yes” or “No”).
- Review, Test, and Refine: Share the draft with others who are involved in or familiar with the process to ensure accuracy. Walk through the process using the flowchart. Based on feedback, make revisions to ensure the chart is clear, accurate, and reflects the true workflow.
4. Flowcharting in Business Process Management (BPM)
In a business context, flowcharts (often called Process Flow Diagrams or Process Flow Charts) are essential tools for Business Process Management (BPM). They help organizations:
- Streamline Operations: Visualizing the process makes it easier to spot and remove non-value-added steps, leading to improved efficiency and optimized workflows.
- Clarify Roles: Specialized flowcharts, like the Swimlane Flowchart (or Cross-Functional Flowchart), divide the chart into “lanes” to visually represent the responsibilities of different departments or people for each step.
- Automate Workflows: A clear process flow diagram serves as the blueprint for automating business processes, as it defines every task and decision point.