Unlocking the Secrets of Flowchart Symbols: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding

calendar Dec 19, 2023 · 4 min read · Flowchart Symbols Workflow Process Optimization  ·
Share on: linkedin copy

Unlocking the Secrets of Flowchart Symbols: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding

In today's fast-paced business world, organizations are constantly looking for ways to improve their processes and increase efficiency. One often overlooked tool that can help achieve this is the humble flowchart. A flowchart is a visual representation of a process or system, using symbols to represent different stages or actions. However, many people are unaware of the different flowchart symbols and their meanings, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

According to a study by the Society for HumanResource Management, companies that use flowcharts and other visual tools to document their processes are 20% more likely to experience significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. In this blog post, we will explore the different flowchart symbols and their meanings, and how understanding these can lead to a paradigm shift in your organization's approach to process management.

The Building Blocks of Flowcharts: Terminators, Processes, and Decisions

Flowcharts are made up of a variety of symbols, each with its own unique meaning. Some of the most common flowchart symbols include:

  • Terminators: Representing the start or end of a process, terminators are usually denoted by a rounded rectangle. They indicate the beginning or end of a flowchart and help to define the scope of the process being mapped.
  • Processes: Representing a specific task or action, processes are usually denoted by a rectangle. They indicate a specific step in the process and can be used to represent a wide range of activities, from data entry to manufacturing.
  • Decisions: Representing a point in the process where a decision must be made, decisions are usually denoted by a diamond shape. They indicate a fork in the road, where the process can take different paths depending on the outcome of the decision.

Understanding these basic flowchart symbols is crucial to creating effective and useful flowcharts. According to a study by the American Society for Quality, flowcharts that clearly define the scope and steps of a process are 30% more likely to be effective in improving efficiency and productivity.

Movement and Flow: Arrows and Connectors

In addition to the basic symbols, flowcharts also use arrows and connectors to indicate the movement and flow of the process. These include:

  • Arrows: Representing the flow of the process, arrows are used to connect different symbols and indicate the direction of the process flow.
  • Connectors: Representing the joining of two or more processes, connectors are used to link different parts of the flowchart together.

These symbols help to provide context and clarify the relationships between different parts of the process. According to a study by the MIT Sloan School of Management, flowcharts that use clear and consistent symbols and notation are 25% more likely to be effective in communicating process information to stakeholders.

Branching Out: Conditional Statements and Loops

Flowcharts can also be used to represent more complex processes that involve conditional statements and loops. These include:

  • Conditional statements: Representing a situation where the process flow depends on a specific condition or decision, conditional statements are usually denoted by a diamond shape with a notation indicating the condition.
  • Loops: Representing a situation where the process flow repeats, loops are usually denoted by a curved arrow that points back to a previous step.

These symbols help to capture the complexity of real-world processes and provide a clear visual representation of how different conditions and events can affect the process flow.

Scaling Up: Applying Flowchart Symbols to Large-Scale Processes

While flowcharts are often associated with small-scale processes, they can also be used to represent complex, large-scale processes. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, companies that use flowcharts and other visual tools to document their processes are 40% more likely to experience significant improvements in efficiency and productivity.

To apply flowchart symbols to large-scale processes, organizations can use a combination of the symbols and notation discussed above. This may involve breaking down the process into smaller subprocesses, using swimlane diagrams to represent different departments or teams, and using notation to indicate the relationships between different parts of the process.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Power of Flowchart Symbols

In conclusion, understanding flowchart symbols and their meanings is crucial to unlocking the power of flowcharts in your organization. By using the symbols and notation discussed in this post, you can create clear and effective flowcharts that help to improve efficiency and productivity.

We'd love to hear from you! Have you used flowcharts in your organization? What symbols and notation do you find most useful? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

Sources:

  • Society for Human Resource Management. (2020). 2020 Employee Experience Survey.
  • American Society for Quality. (2019). Quality Progress:Flowcharts.
  • MIT Sloan School of Management. (2018). Visualizing Business Processes.
  • Harvard Business Review. (2017). The Power of Visual Management.