01-28-2005, 05:07 AM
Flowcharting is a tool for analysing processes. It allows you to break any process down into individual events or activities and to display these in shorthand form showing the logical relationships between them. Constructing flowcharts promotes better understanding of processes, and better understanding of processes is a pre-requisite for improvement.
In simple terms
A flowchart is a graphic representation of how a process works, showing, at a minimum, the sequence of steps.
Types of Flowcharts
There are four basic types of flowcharts Basic, Process, Deployment, and Opportunity.
1.Basic flowcharts-- quickly identify all the major steps in a process. They are used to orient a team with the major steps by just giving a broad overview of the process.
2.Process flowcharts examine the process in great detail. They provide a comprehensive listing of all the major and sub-steps in a process.
3.Deployment flowcharts are similar to Process flowcharts in that they are very detailed but also indicate the people who are involved in the process. This could be very useful when the process involves cooperation between functional areas.
4.Opportunity flowcharts highlight decision step and check point. They are used for very complicated processes because they highlight specific opportunities for improvement.
There are no hard and fast rules for constructing flowcharts, but there are guidelines which are useful to bear in mind.
Here are six steps which can be used as a guide for completing flowcharts.
1. describe the process to be charted (this is a one-line statement such as, "How to fill the car's petrol tank")
2. start with a 'trigger' event
3.note each successive action concisely and clearly
4. go with the main flow (put extra detail in other charts)
5.make cross references to supporting information
6. follow the process through to a useful conclusion (end at a 'target' point)
It is not strictly necessary to use boxes, circles, diamonds or other such symbols to construct a flowchart, but these do help to describe the types of events in the chart more clearly. Described below are a set of standard symbols which are applicable to most situations without being overly complex.
Rounded box - use it to represent an event which occurs automatically. Such an event will trigger a subsequent action, for example `receive telephone callâ, or describe a new state of affairs.
Rectangle or box - use it to represent an event which is controlled within the process. Typically this will be a step or action which is taken. In most flowcharts this will be the most frequently used symbol.
Diamond - use it to represent a decision point in the process. Typically, the statement in the symbol will require a `yes' or `no' response and branch to different parts of the flowchart accordingly.
Circle - use it to represent a point at which the flowchart connects with another process. The name or reference for the other process should appear within the symbol.
Caution
Flowcharts for quality improvement should always reflect the actual process, not the ideal process. A flowchart must reflect what really happens.
Involve people who know the process, either while developing the flowchart or as reviewers when the chart has been completed.
Be sure that the flowchart really focuses on the identified problem.
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If I could... Then I would... Turn back time!!
Edited by - desert sleet on Jan 28 2005 120822 AM
In simple terms
A flowchart is a graphic representation of how a process works, showing, at a minimum, the sequence of steps.
Types of Flowcharts
There are four basic types of flowcharts Basic, Process, Deployment, and Opportunity.
1.Basic flowcharts-- quickly identify all the major steps in a process. They are used to orient a team with the major steps by just giving a broad overview of the process.
2.Process flowcharts examine the process in great detail. They provide a comprehensive listing of all the major and sub-steps in a process.
3.Deployment flowcharts are similar to Process flowcharts in that they are very detailed but also indicate the people who are involved in the process. This could be very useful when the process involves cooperation between functional areas.
4.Opportunity flowcharts highlight decision step and check point. They are used for very complicated processes because they highlight specific opportunities for improvement.
There are no hard and fast rules for constructing flowcharts, but there are guidelines which are useful to bear in mind.
Here are six steps which can be used as a guide for completing flowcharts.
1. describe the process to be charted (this is a one-line statement such as, "How to fill the car's petrol tank")
2. start with a 'trigger' event
3.note each successive action concisely and clearly
4. go with the main flow (put extra detail in other charts)
5.make cross references to supporting information
6. follow the process through to a useful conclusion (end at a 'target' point)
It is not strictly necessary to use boxes, circles, diamonds or other such symbols to construct a flowchart, but these do help to describe the types of events in the chart more clearly. Described below are a set of standard symbols which are applicable to most situations without being overly complex.
Rounded box - use it to represent an event which occurs automatically. Such an event will trigger a subsequent action, for example `receive telephone callâ, or describe a new state of affairs.
Rectangle or box - use it to represent an event which is controlled within the process. Typically this will be a step or action which is taken. In most flowcharts this will be the most frequently used symbol.
Diamond - use it to represent a decision point in the process. Typically, the statement in the symbol will require a `yes' or `no' response and branch to different parts of the flowchart accordingly.
Circle - use it to represent a point at which the flowchart connects with another process. The name or reference for the other process should appear within the symbol.
Caution
Flowcharts for quality improvement should always reflect the actual process, not the ideal process. A flowchart must reflect what really happens.
Involve people who know the process, either while developing the flowchart or as reviewers when the chart has been completed.
Be sure that the flowchart really focuses on the identified problem.
---------------------------------------------
If I could... Then I would... Turn back time!!
Edited by - desert sleet on Jan 28 2005 120822 AM