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Flowcharting Instructions

The document provides instructions for creating a flowchart to visually represent a process. It explains that a flowchart maps out the sequence of steps using boxes, diamonds, and lines. Teams brainstorm all current process steps, write each in a box or sticky note, and use diamonds to indicate decision points. The flowchart helps identify problems, focus discussions, and find areas for improvement.

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Elijah John
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23 views

Flowcharting Instructions

The document provides instructions for creating a flowchart to visually represent a process. It explains that a flowchart maps out the sequence of steps using boxes, diamonds, and lines. Teams brainstorm all current process steps, write each in a box or sticky note, and use diamonds to indicate decision points. The flowchart helps identify problems, focus discussions, and find areas for improvement.

Uploaded by

Elijah John
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Flowcharting Instructions

What is flowcharting?
A flowchart — also known as a “process map” — is a visual representation of the sequence of steps in a
process. Understanding the process as it currently operates is an important step in developing ideas
about how to improve it. This makes flowcharts especially useful in the early phases of improvement
work.
To create a flowchart, teams brainstorm all the steps in the process as it currently exists. Teams write
each process step in a box (or on a sticky note). In addition to the steps themselves, they use a diamond
shape (or sticky note turned on its corner) to indicate points in the process where a decision needs to be
made. For decision steps, the team writes a yes/no question. Then they use lines to show the
connections between the boxes and diamonds.
Having a shared understanding of the current process helps teams identify problems or bottlenecks,
focus discussions, and identify resources. For example, teams can identify steps in the process that do
not add value, such as delays; unnecessary work, duplication, or expense; and breakdowns in
communication. It is at these points where the improvement work can start.

Steps
1. Assemble a team consisting of staff who know the process best.
2. Start by defining the first and the last step in the process — so that everyone has a shared
understanding of where the process you’re working on begins and ends.
3. Using the shapes below, fill in all the steps in the process from first to last. Show the current process
as it actually works (not as it should work).
 Tip: Use sticky notes (one for each step) to create a flowchart. This allows you to add steps and
move steps around as you depict the process.
 Tip: Note that some steps are parallel — that is, they happen at the same time.
4. Review the flowchart to check for accuracy and completeness.
5. Assign action items to team members to fill in unfamiliar steps and verify accuracy.
6. When the flowchart is complete and accurate, analyze it, use it, revisit it, and keep it up to date.

Basic Flowchart Shapes


Start and End of the Decision Point (yes or no
Process question)

Activity or Task Subprocess

Process Flow Direction

Flowcharting Instructions Code: HO-00 Issue No.: 00 Issue Date: --/--/---- Revision Date: --/--/----
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Flowcharting Instructions

Example Flowchart

Flowcharting Instructions Code: HO-00 Issue No.: 00 Issue Date: --/--/---- Revision Date: --/--/----
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