Flow Chart | Symbols | Process Flow Diagram | Example

What is a Flow Chart?

 → It is a diagrammatic representation that illustrates the sequence of operations to be performed to get the desired result and it is also known as Process Flow Diagram.
→ Flow_Chart is a diagrammatic representation that illustrates the sequence of operations to be performed to get the desired result.
→ As per Wikipedia, It is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or sequence of operations.
→ The flow_chart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows.
→ It is used in analyzing, designing, documenting,7 or managing a workflow or program in various fields.
→ Dr. Edwards Deming's statement: "Draw a flowchart for whatever you do, Until you do, you do not know what you are doing, You just have a job.”

Process Flow Chart uses:

→ Planning a new project
→ Documenting a process
→ Managing workflow
→ Also used for auditing purposes.

Milestones:

→ 1960: The American National Symbols Institute (ANSI) set standards for Flow_Charts and their symbols in the 1960s.
→ 1970: The International Organizations for Standardization (ISO) adopted the ANSI symbols.
→ 1985: The current standard was revised in 1985.

How to make a flow chart?

→ The process needs to start from top to down, from left to right.
→ The graph size needs to be the same and the start symbol only appears once, but the end symbol can use more.
→ There is only one arrow path graph for the same path.
→ The line should avoid the cross, if need crossed should be used across the graph.

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Flow chart Symbols:

(a) Oval

→ This is used for Start and End activity or we can say beginning or end of a program.
→ In this symbol generally "Start" or "End" word used or other phrases used such as "submit inquiry" or "receive product".

(b) Flowline / Arrow line

→ The flowline or arrow line shows the order of operation.
→ Arrow line used to indicate line coming from one symbol and ending at another

(c) Diamond

→ Diamond is used for decision-making purposes.
→For yes/no or true/false activity, we use a diamond.

(d) Rectangle

→ We use a rectangle for change value, shape, or location of data.
→ For different symbol, their use, and example refer below picture.

(e) Parallelogram

→ The parallelogram is used for input and output data.
→ It is also used for entering data or displaying results.

(f) Single document graph

→ It is used to display a single document in any process.

(g) Multiple documents graph

→ It is used to display multiple documents in any process.

(h) Delay Activity

→ The Delay shape represents a waiting period where no activity is done.
→ For different symbol, their use, and example refer below picture.

Flow Charts Examples:

Different Types of Flowchart:

1. Macro
2. Mini
3. Micro
4. Matrix Flowchart

The examples of different flowcharts are mentioned in the below pictures.
(a) Macro and Mini FlowChart

(b) Matrix

Benefits:

→ Improve process understanding
→ Provide a tool for training
→ Identify problem areas and improvement opportunities
→ Define and analyze processes in an easy way

👉 See Also:

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➨ ISO 9001:2015 & IATF 16949:2016

➨ 7 QC Tools

➨ MSA, FMEA, PPAP, APQP, SPC

➨ Six Sigma & Lean Six Sigma

➨ QA & QC Topics