What Is the Meaning of a Flow Chart?
A flow chart is a graphical representation of a process or activity. You can use different types of flow charts. Flowcharts have benefits and disadvantages.
Other People Are Reading
-
Shapes
-
Flow chart shapes represent different parts of the process. An oval represents the start and end points. Squares represent a step or activity in the process. Decision points are diamonds and lines or arrows connect steps in the process.
Benefits
-
A flow chart offers a visual way to communicate a process and locate the parts of the process that should be fixed. Look for continuing loops in a process, which can delay reaching the end of a process.
-
Limitations
-
Creating a flow chart can be cumbersome if the process is complex. Break down the process into its component parts to keep the flow chart easy to understand.
Types
-
Types of flow charts include functional, process, process flow, deployment, top-down and detailed. The purpose of the flow chart dictates the type of flow chart to use.
Tip
-
To check the accuracy and validity of a flow chart, have someone unfamiliar with the process walk through the process using the flow chart only.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Microsoft Office online
