FLOW CHART DEFINED

A typical definition of "Flow Chart" usually reads something like ...

A flow chart is a graphical or symbolic representation of a process. Each step in the process is represented by a different symbol and contains a short description of the process step. The flow chart symbols are linked together with arrows showing the process flow direction.

AS-IS FLOWCHART

The first cool thing about flow charts is that they let you see the process flow at a glance, so my first alternate definition of "Flow Chart" is a Snap Shot of your Business Processes. This is commonly called an As-Is Flowchart. You can tell a lot about the complexity (and often over-complexity) of many business processes just by looking at an as-is flow chart of them - without even reading the text in the symbols. You can easily see the flow of information and materials, branches in the process, opportunities for infinite loops, the number of process steps, inter-departmental operations, and more.

A Note on Flowchart Symbols

Different flow chart symbols have different meanings. The most common flow chart symbols are:

·         Terminator: An oval flow chart shape indicating the start or end of the process.

·         Process: A rectangular flow chart shape indicating a normal process flow step.

·         Decision: A diamond flow chart shape indication a branch in the process flow.

·         Connector: A small, labeled, circular flow chart shape used to indicate a jump in the process flow.

·         Data: A parallelogram that indicates data input or output (I/O) for a process.

·         Document: used to indicate a document or report .