What’s a process flowchart?

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A process flowchart is a diagram that uses text and symbols to show the actions required to complete a given process. This type of chart lays out each step in chronological order, with symbols indicating the beginning and end of the process, as well as decisions and actions that occur along the way. A process flowchart is useful for visualizing the procedure at hand and identifying areas of weakness.

Process flow symbols usually include three distinct shapes. An oval is used to signify the start and end points of the process. A rectangle indicates actions and a diamond indicates a decision. Each shape is connected to other shapes by an arrow, which takes the viewer from one process to the next. Each shape contains words that describe that step in the process.

A flow process chart typically has a single starting point. This might be labeled “Get Started” or it might indicate the purpose of the graph, such as “Customer Service Call”. From this point, the arrows will lead to possible actions or decisions. Continuing with the previous example, a process flowchart for handling customer service calls might include questions the caller should ask, such as “What system are you operating on?” Each question branches to possible answers. These answers may lead to another question to further clarify the issue, or to a solution that effectively achieves the purpose of the call.

After a series of decisions and actions, the process flowchart will lead to an endpoint. Some charts will have a single start and end, while others may result in multiple completions. A customer service call can end with a variety of solutions that fit the problem. The chart can end there, or point each solution to another action, such as a prompt to complete a survey on the effectiveness of the service.

Actions or decisions that apply to more than one scenario will not appear multiple times in a flow process graph. The merge process will appear once with several arrows leading to it. If the end point of the flowchart is the same regardless of the process, the oval signifying the endpoint of the chart can be traced back to multiple actions or decisions.

A process flowchart is a useful tool for businesses as it can provide a visual of the actions that are taken throughout a process. If the process seems overly complicated, this chart will help identify weaknesses where it can be clarified or improved. A process flowchart is also useful for making decisions. It can provide easy-to-read instructions for following the correct procedure in various situations.

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