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Sunday 15 November 2015

Process Maps/ Flowcharts

Process Maps (also called process flowchart, process flow diagram, macro flowchart, top-down flowchart, detailed flowchart, deployment flowchart or several-leveled flowchart), is a visual depiction of how processes relate to each other, including the relationship between inputs and outputs and where key decision points lie. Elements that may be included are: sequence of actions, materials or services entering or leaving the process (inputs and outputs), decisions that must be made, people who become involved, time involved at each step and/or process measurements. The process described can be a manufacturing, administrative or service or a project plan.

When to Use a Flowchart:

1    To develop understanding of how a process is done.
 2   To study a process for improvement.
 3   To communicate to others how a process is done.
 4   When better communication is needed between people involved with the same process.
 5    To document a process.
 6    When planning a project.

Examples:



High–Level Flowchart for an Order-Filling Process

High-Level Flowchart for an Order-Filling Process
Detailed Flowchart

Detailed Flowchart

Commonly Used Symbols in Detailed Flowcharts

One step in the process; the step is written inside the box. Usually, only one arrow goes out of the box.rectangle - flowchart process step
arrow - flowchart flow direction Direction of flow from one step or decision to another.
diamond - flowchart decision step Decision based on a question. The question is written in the diamond. More than one arrow goes out of the diamond, each one showing the direction the process takes for a given answer to the question. (Often the answers are “ yes” and “ no.”)
semi-circle - flowchart delay or waitDelay or wait
circle - flowchart link to another page or flowchartLink to another page or another flowchart. The same symbol on the other page indicates that the flow continues there.
paralellogram - flowchart input or output Input or output flowchart document symbolDocument
rounded rectangle or oval - flowchart start and end pointsAlternate symbols for start and end points

References:

ASQ. What is a Process Flowchart? <http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/process-analysis-tools/overview/flowchart.html> Retrieved 15/11/2015.

BARRY, Carly.My Favourtite Quality Tool: Process Mapping <http://blog.minitab.com/blog/real-world-quality-improvement/my-favorite-quality-tool-process-mapping> 2013. Retrieved 15/11/2015.

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