| A flowchart is a sequence of graphical symbols and | | | | processes. These diagrams provide the 10,000 foot |
| shapes that create a visual map to document a | | | | view that can be used to define the high level areas |
| procedure or set of steps to accomplish a goal based | | | | and processes for the enterprise. |
| on specific business rules. Learning how to draw | | | | 2. Detailed process maps that defines lower level |
| flowcharts can become a valuable skill when doing | | | | processes that can be set to establish departmental |
| business analysis and re-engineering. A flowchart can | | | | procedures, logic flows and inter-departmental |
| enable the person who understands the process to | | | | processes that intersect at specific touch points. |
| effectively communicate rules and guidelines using | | | | 3. Decision based process flowcharts define specific |
| symbols, directional arrows and flow diagrams. | | | | rules and dependencies based on business rules and |
| Flowcharts have been used for over 50 years to | | | | guiding principles. |
| transfer knowledge allow others to understand | | | | There are many tools that can be used to develop |
| complex processes logic paths. | | | | flowchart diagrams. Whether you use the basic |
| Analyzing a flowchart enables the reader to logically | | | | presentation or word processing application to |
| follow the sequence of steps, specific rules and paths | | | | specialized tools designed specifically for developing |
| they should take when certain situations are | | | | workflow diagrams, flowcharts can help create a |
| encountered. More complex flows can be broken | | | | visual reference for any process. |
| down into basic procedural maps and then connected | | | | In summary, when learning how to draw flowcharts, it |
| together. This can help the reader visualize and follow | | | | is imperative to develop a standard methodology that |
| the entire process by linking the smaller processes | | | | helps organize information in a concise manner. Start |
| together. | | | | with basic processes that depict high level information |
| There are 3 main types of process diagrams: | | | | and gradually work into more detailed process maps |
| | | | as you become more experienced. |
| 1. High level process maps that show summary level | | | | |