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

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.

Direction of flow from one step or decision to another.
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.”)
Delay or wait
Link to another page or another flowchart. The same symbol on the other page indicates that the flow continues there.
Input or output Document
Alternate 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.