Know More About The Various Process Map Symbols Used In A Process Map
Process mapping is widely used in organizations all over the world to achieve process optimization.
Process maps or flowcharts use certain specified symbols to represent a step or an activity in the process. This helps in a clear understanding of the manufacture or service process by each and every employee. There are certain process map symbols which are applied when constructing a process map or a flowchart.
The terminator symbol, or the oval symbol as it is commonly called, aptly denotes the beginning or the end of a process. It has the term 'beginning' or the 'end' specified within it. The starting point must specify the beginning of the leaf level process. The endpoint must depict all the relevant information which is required in the final process.
The rectangle or the box denotes the various activities in a process. It should be clearly mentioned as to which particular activity the box relates to. Each box can depict either a single step or activity or a whole sub process.
The diamond shape denotes the decision element in a process. The information required or mentioned inside this symbol is always in the form of a question. The most important feature about this is that there can be several arrows emanating from this symbol. Each arrow points towards the different solutions possible for the said question. The delay symbol, represented by a big 'D' is usually used to denote delay in the process. This generally happens whereby certain decisions cannot be taken or have to be postponed. Such delay is often caused where the customers come into the picture. In fact, it is not used under any other circumstance. A process map is generally a simple graphical representation of the processes carried out by each department. However, if the flowchart of one department has to be related to another, it should be done with the help of a circular symbol. This symbols links flowchart of one department to that of another. Since this connects one page to another it is also termed as a connector. The process maps use different symbols to represent numerous other things. Some of the other symbols used are those of document, input, output, merge, collate, sort, database, data storage, display, etc. All the symbols which are used must be related to each other in a sequence to give the entire map the look of a process. This is done with the help of arrows which not only join one link to another but also depicts the direction of the flow of information and activities. The process map symbols can be correctly utilized only if there is updated information on all the related sub processes and the main process. The appropriate use of symbol can make a process visible and easy to comprehend for all those involved in the process.
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