Steps Involved In Process Flowcharting And Its Various Advantages
A process is usually defined as a series of activities or operations performed to reach a desired output or result. Process flowcharting is the diagrammatic representation or mapping of such activities. While graphically representing the various steps of the process, it also acts as a tool to analyze and plan the various activities. An illustration of the different steps of a process in a sequential order makes the process more visible and manageable.
Apart from the process flowchart, which is the most popular, there are deployment flowcharts and top down flowcharts as well. The process flowchart generally represents the major process steps involved in a department and does involve the complexities of the suppliers or the customers. The deployment flowchart is more complex and related to various departments. The top down flowchart depicts the activities in horizontal lines and does not address complexities like decision taking steps.
The symbols used in the representation of the various activities must be relevant and follow a certain rule. There are set symbols for each activity. A rectangle or a box represents one single activity in a process, which is specified inside it. Ovals usually depict the start or the input and the end or the output. A diamond depicts the questions or the decisions which need to handled. A circle usually links one flowchart to the other. The arrows drawn in a flowchart represent the direction of the flow of activities.
Certain basic points must be adhered to in the construction of a process flowchart. First and foremost it is essential to set the limits or the boundaries of a flowchart. It should begin with the initial steps of a process. Inter-relating the different steps in a sequential order, it should clearly indicate the flow of the process. An ideal flowchart should depict the flow of information from the beginning to the end of the process with the help of suitable symbols. Appropriate symbols should depict the major steps involved in the process and they should be connected with proper arrows to depict the flow order of activities. Before finalizing a flowchart, it is imperative to ensure that no major step has been excluded and the symbols and the arrows are correctly used. The opinion of all the people involved in the process, like the suppliers, vendors, supervisors, must be taken into account before finalizing the process flowchart. There are certain software which are designed for process flowcharting. With its aid an ideal flowchart can be created which can assist the management in planning and taking strategic decisions in process optimization. This also makes the process more visible and helps in communicating and integrating the key factors involved in a process.
Process Mapping >> Privacy Policy >> Contact >> Terms Of Use
| 
