Give the applications of flowcharts
Answers
Explanation:
What is a Flowchart and How is it Useful
One of the first things to ask when making a flowchart is, "what is its purpose?" The answer to this question will help you create the type of flowchart that best suits your needs.
Some of the common uses of flowcharts include:
Planning a new project
Documenting a process
Modeling a business process
Managing workflow
Auditing a process
Mapping computer algorithms
Data management
Chemical and process engineering
Once the use of the flowchart is known, the next step is to select the best type of diagram to represent it. This could be a basic flowchart, a swimlane flowchart, a value stream map, or any of several other types.
Types of Flowcharts
Planning a New Project | Basic Process Flowchart
One of the most frequent uses of flowcharts is to map out a new project. Engineers and software designers often use flowcharts for this purpose, but others may find them useful, as well. They are particularly helpful when the project will involve a sequence of steps that involve decisions. Here's a basic flowchart that shows this:
Basic flowchart example
Documenting a Process Across Functional Groups | What is a Swimlane Flowchart
Businesses often have internal or external requirements for process documentation. Flowcharts are an excellent tool for these purposes. From standards reporting to complying with government regulations, using a flowchart can be much more efficient than a written narrative.
Here are some examples of external pressures that require process documentation:
BPM Automation: Documenting processes is a prerequisite for automated BPM (Business Process Management).
ERP: Documenting processes is required as part of an Enterprise Resource Planning implementation.
Company Sale: Documenting processes is an important preparation when positioning a company for eventual sale.
Compliance: Various legislation and regulatory bodies, like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Joint Commission, for example, often require extensive process documentation.
Customers: Some customers may require ISO or other quality certifications as a prerequisite for doing business.
There may also be internal reasons for using flowcharts to document processes.
Flexibility: Both new and existing employees can immediately learn the right way to perform any job.
Quality: If everyone on the team performs a job in the same way each time, the outcome is predictable and consistent.
Visibility: Management can see exactly how each job is meant to be performed.
Process Improvement: You can't improve the way your organization gets its work done unless you know how it's being done now.
A basic flowchart will often suffice for process documentation. However, in cases where processes have multiple stages, work across departments, or have other separated categories a swimlane flowchart or cross-functional flowchart may be the better choice. It visually separates the process into separate categories.
Swimlane Flowchart
Managing Workflow | What is a Workflow Process
Systems for managing workflow are best illustrated using a workflow diagram. These systems can focus on process integration, human task orientation, or both. The goal is to create a consistent, quality output based on a standardized set of procedures. Here is an example of a simple workflow diagram:
Workflow Diagram
Making a Decision | What is a Decision Flowchart
A decision flowchart lets you visualize the options in any important business decision. Walk through potential outcomes and make sure you consider all the questions before making a decision.
Decision flowchart
Modeling a Business Process | What is an EPC Diagram
Business processes can cover a wide range of activities. They might be a simple set of tasks or a complex array of them that cover a number of possible situations. Modeling these processes is done to ensure a consistent, predictable outcome. Documenting or modeling a business process is using an event-driven process chain (EPC) diagram. A basic example is shown here:
The EPC diagram is a specialized type of flowchart designed specifically for this purpose. It has a unique library of symbols not found in traditional flowcharts. Learn more about event-driven process chain diagrams.
Event driven flowchart
Auditing a Process | Process Map
Flowcharts may be used for diagnosing a malfunction or to troubleshoot problems. These uses are common in the fields of software and electronics. But they aren't confined to just these disciplines.
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