Flowchart

Flowchart

• A flowchart is a diagram that uses

graphic symbols to depict the nature and
flow of the steps in a process.
Elements of a flowchart

• A terminator is represented used by

small rectangle with curved corners.
• It is used to mark the start and end of the
list of instructions.
• A process is represented by a rectangle.
It refers to an action in a business
process.
• it is used to process calculations.
• Input/output is represented by a
parallelogram.
• A decision is represented by a diamond.
A process that can answer a decision of
“yes” or ”no” requires a decision box.
• On-page connector is represented by a
small circle. It ensures that the
processes are connected logically and
correctly on several pages.
• Off-page connector is used if the flowcha
rt is to be continued on the next page.
• Flowlines drawn in one direction,
preferably from top to bottom, keep a
flowchart clear.
• Preparation-it is used to initialize the valu
e/s of the variables to be used.
• Document-this represents a document or
a printed output.
• Multidocument-this represents multiple d
ocuments to be printed.
• Stored data-this corresponds to any data
stored in a memory or storage unit.
•
• Manual input-this denotes a manual entr
y of data.
• Display-this represents data to be displa
yed on a monitor or projector.
• Magnetic disk-this symbol is used where
data is to be stored.
• Manual operation-to be performed by an
individual or group.
Benefits of Using Flowcharts

• Promote understanding of a process.

• Provide a tool for training employees.
• Identify problem areas and opportunities
for process improvement.
•
Basic Flowchart Symbols

• Ovals indicate both the starting point and

the ending point of the process steps.
• A box represents an individual step or
activity in the process.
• A diamond shows a decision point, such
as yes/no or go/no-go. Each path
emerging from the diamond must be
labeled with one of the possible answers.
• A circle indicates that a particular step is
connected to another page or part of the
Flowchart. A letter placed in the circle
clarifies the continuation.
• A triangle shows where an in-process
measurement occurs.
Sample