Sometimes it is also displayed as ‘Start’ or ‘Stop’. Terminator symbol) might also come with a phrase, such as ‘Receive Product’ to explain the phase of the process. Terminals come with a word like ‘Start’ or ‘End’ to indicate the beginning or conclusion of a process. Terminal SymbolĪ terminal is an oval or rounded rectangle shape used at the beginning and end of a flowchart. Below is a list of common symbols used in a flowchart. Using these symbols in the right order at the correct part of the chart is essential to accurately depict the flowchart. Flowchart Symbols - Meaning of the Different Symbols in FlowchartsĮvery flowchart symbol has a pre-defined meaning. Program Flowchart:Īs the name suggests, this type of flowchart shows the controls in a program used in a system. This type of chart displays the flow of data within a system and the decisions made to control events. System Flowchart:Ī system flowchart shows the physical or resource level controls. Such a flowchart is primarily used to show the channels through which data is transmitted rather than the flow of controls. Such a chart is constructed from left to right, showing the flow of documents across business units. Document Flowchart:Ī document flowchart shows controls over document flow through a system. Sterneckert in his book ‘Critical Incident Management’ in 2003 include the following: 1. While flowcharts have been defined differently by various authors, the four broad categories that define flowcharts according to Alan B. There are also other types of flow chart categories, such as swim lane, EPC, workflow, SDL, DFD diagram, etc. Different Types of Flowchartsĭifferent types of flowcharts can be divided into four broad categories. The purpose and fields across which flowcharts are used are explained in detail below. A presentation flowchart can be used as a tool to break down information and clearly explain it to an audience, making it easy to understand and follow. Flowcharts are used to communicate processes in various fields. Flowcharts help map the aforementioned, with a visual map of the flow, and control of resources. What is the Purpose of a Flowchart?įlowcharts are used for the documentation, design, and depiction of a process, program, or algorithm. In recent years, flowcharts have evolved into other forms including Unified Modeling Language (UML) activity and Event-driven Process Chain (EPC) diagrams. Even today, flowcharts are deemed as diagrams used for documenting and representing simple processes. What caught the attention of people from across different industries was the simplicity of using a flowchart. Similarly, Mogensen’s student, Art Spinanger, used the concept at Procter and Gamble to develop the ‘Deliberate Methods Change Program’. Mogensen, who during the 1930s, began training business people using the same tools. These tools soon found their way to the curricula of industrial engineering and was used by other engineers. During 1921, both Frank and Lillian introduced the concept to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), as flow process chart. Flowcharts were the brainchild of American engineers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. The use of flowcharts to document processes can be traced back to the early 1920s. Simple flowchart example – Source: SlideModel Brief History of Flowcharts This diagrammatic representation is also known by other terms such as a flow sheet, flow diagram, workflow diagram, and business flow diagram. The term flowchart or flow chart are both used for diagrams that depict processes, workflow, programs, and computer algorithms using a set of symbols that have pre-defined functions. These symbols are represented using different shapes such as a circle, diamond, oval, arrow, and the like. These symbols have specific meanings, representing the start, process, connectors, input, output, end, etc. Typically, flowcharts follow a strict rule regarding the type of symbols used for representing each step. To make a flowchart, you have to go through various steps and ensure strict adherence to how each step is presented visually. What is a Flowchart?Ī flowchart is a diagram used for representing workflow, programs, processes, and for representing algorithms. Try our free flowchart maker to evaluate our templates and products. Let us show you the best ways to construct a flowchart, with FAQs, examples, design tips, and suggested PowerPoint flowchart templates. Therefore, flowcharts are constructed to design and document such procedures. A single mistake in such a case can result in the entire system breaking down, resulting in a major loss of time, money, capital equipment, and might even threaten the safety of the manpower employed to carry out the process. Designing and documentation is a process that entails mapping out the different steps from start to the very end.
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