How to Construct a Process Flow Map
Process flow maps are an excellent way to document repeatable processes. By creating solid, tested process flows, employees will have a simple visual reference for solving questions relating to business processes.
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Instructions
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Define the input, or trigger, for the start of the business process. This is the situation or activity that will indicate the start of a business process. Valid triggers will differ but are often a phone call, request for information, or need for a deliverable. Insert a terminator, or oval. This is the start of your process.
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Decide if the next step in your process is an action or a decision.
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Insert a process box if the next step is an action or process. Process boxes are usually rectangular. If this step is a process documented on a different flow chart, use a predefined process box. A predefined process box is a rectangle with an extra line on either end to indicate that there is another predefined process that must be executed before continuing in the flow.
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Insert a decision box if the first step is a decision. A decision box is usually diamond-shaped and is used to indicate an either/or decision, such as "Yes" or "No."
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Connect the initial terminator with the first step using a line.
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Continue adding and connecting decision and process boxes until you have built a good visual representation of the process.
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Tips & Warnings
There are a number of more advanced flow chart symbols that may be appropriate for your process; refer to a good reference if the basic business process symbols aren't enough to adequately document your process. Process flows can be created in a variety of applications, including Visio, Excel and PowerPoint on both PC and Macintosh platforms. Kivio is a popular flow-charting system for Unix and Linux systems. Many Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Baan and SAP, have built-in process documentation modules.
Deviating from standard process symbols will make it harder for people familiar with the standard symbols to read your process flows.
