These are the basics of flowcharting.
For more information, on why you’d want to flowchart and what it will do for you, read the 7 reasons to document what you do, and the Quick and Easy Guide to Documenting what you do
There are two types of symbols
- a square/rectangle (for an action)
- a diamond (for a decision)
Arrows join the symbols together
- squares may have only one arrow coming out of them
- diamonds always have exactly two arrows coming out of them –
a “yes” and a “no” - there can be as many arrows coming into a symbol as necessary
The flowchart can go across or down the page
Some practical tips
- using post-it notes makes it easier to relocate symbols as you develop the flowchart
- once you are sure of how the flowchart goes, there are software packages available to chart them. Try ABC Flowcharter, Visio or PowerPoint.
Flowcharts are also called
- process maps
- work flow diagrams
- process charts
- process flows
- work flows
Read some more articles.
