The Ultimate Guide to Creating Process Flow Diagrams: Flowchart Templates and Examples
Process flow diagrams, also called flowcharts or process flowcharts, are visual representations of a process or workflow. They show the steps in a process and the order they are completed in. Flowcharts are incredibly useful for visualizing, analyzing and improving processes.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about process flow diagrams. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re important, how to create them, diagram symbols and templates to use, examples, and tips for making excellent process flowcharts.
Read on to become an expert at using flowcharts to understand, communicate and improve processes.
What Is a Process Flow Diagram?
A process flow diagram (PFD) is a diagram that visually displays the sequential steps and flow of a process. PFDs show the relationships between the major components in a system. They are often used to document a process, help employees understand a workflow, and analyze a process for improvements.
PFDs go by many names, including:
Workflow diagram
Process flowchart
Process map
Process chart
Functional flow block diagram
But they all contain the same basic components - symbols that represent steps in a process, connected with arrows showing the sequence and flow.
PFDs can be used for almost any process that has a sequence of events or steps. Their versatility makes them one of the most important and widely used business tools.
Why Are Process Flow Diagrams Useful?
There are many benefits to using process flowcharts in business. Here are some of the top reasons PFDs are so valuable:
Visualize - It's often easier to understand a workflow when you can visualize it as a diagram. PFDs allow you to see the big picture of a process.
Standardization - Using standard symbols means anyone can understand a workflow, which aids in documenting and communicating processes.
Identify Inefficiency - Flowcharts make inefficiencies, redundancies and bottlenecks visually apparent. This helps target areas for process improvement.
Communication - PFDs are useful communication tools that help align employees by allowing them to see their role in the overall workflow.
Onboard Employees - Diagrams help train new employees on processes and procedures.
ISO Certification - PFDs are required documentation for ISO 9001 certification.
Improve Processes - Visual analysis of workflows enables businesses to streamline processes and boost efficiency.
Simply put, process flowcharts are one of the most beneficial business tools you can use due to how effectively they help document, analyze and improve processes.
How to Create a Process Flow Diagram
While process flow diagrams can be complex depending on a process, the basics of creating one are straightforward. Follow these steps:
Identify the process - Clearly define the specific process you want to diagram. Get input from process participants if needed.
Map process steps - Detail each step in the process in order. Capture all steps from start to finish.
Add decision points - Include any decision points or branches in the process flow with yes/no logic.
Connect with arrows - Draw arrows between steps to demonstrate flow and sequence.
Use standard symbols - Represent each step with the appropriate symbol (see examples below).
Label symbols - All symbols should be labeled clearly with 1-2 words.
Analyze & optimize- Review the finished diagram to identify improvement areas.
That's the basics! To take your skills to the next level, continue reading.
Types of Process Flow Diagrams
While most process flow diagrams depict a single workflow, there are different types suited to different purposes. Some examples include:
Basic Flowchart - Shows the basic steps in a process from start to finish.
Cross-functional Flowchart - Covers processes that cross departments.
Swimlane Diagram - Divides steps by department, role or actor.
Top-down Flowchart - Shows a high-level process overview.
Detailed Flowchart - Captures process details like inputs, outputs and loops.
The type you choose depends on your objective. A high-level diagram is best for understanding the big picture while a detailed diagram helps analyze steps for improvement.
Flowchart Symbols and Templates
Standardized symbols are used in process flow diagrams to represent different types of steps. Many originate from flowchart guidelines published by national standards organizations like ANSI and ISO.
Here are some of the most common flowchart symbols and what they represent:
Oval - Represents the start and end steps in a process.
Rectangle - An action, task or process step. The most common symbol.
Diamond - A decision or branch point. Leads to different arrows based on yes/no logic.
Parallelogram - Input/output of information like data, reports or forms.
Cylinder - Represents data storage like a database, filing cabinet or data repository.
Double lines - Connector symbol. Links flowchart sections.
Using standard symbols ensures any reader will understand the diagram. Most flowchart software has built-in symbol libraries. Free templates are also available online.
Flowchart Examples
The best way to understand process flowcharts is to look at a few examples. Here are flowcharts depicting some common business processes and workflows:
Hiring Process Flowchart
This human resources flowchart depicts a typical hiring process from identifying a vacancy to extending a job offer:
Order Processing Flowchart
This workflow shows how an order moves through various departments. Notice the swimlane format.
Software Development Flowchart
Here is a simplified diagram of software development steps:
Manufacturing Process Flowchart
This example captures material and information flows in manufacturing:
These are just a few examples. Process flowcharts are used to document workflows in every industry and department.
Tips for Creating Excellent Process Flow Diagrams
Follow these best practices to get the most out of your process flowcharts:
Focus on the big picture rather than minute details. Most diagrams don't need to capture every single step.
Use standard flowchart symbols whenever possible for clarity.
Align process participants before mapping a workflow. Get their input on the current process.
Don't make diagrams overly complex. Break flows into multiple charts if needed.
Analyze diagrams for problem areas once complete. Brainstorm process improvements.
Update diagrams as processes change. They are not static documents.
Consider using diagram software which makes updating and sharing easy.
Use swimlane diagrams when steps are performed by different teams or roles.
Make sure diagrams are easily accessible by those involved in the processes.
Creating excellent PFDs takes planning, input, analysis and a user-focused approach. But the payoff in process understanding and improvement is immense.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Process flow diagrams are invaluable for understanding, communicating and improving business processes. Mastering flowcharts can help optimize workflows.
Common elements include mapped process steps, flow indicators, and standardized symbols for each step and decision point.
Flowcharts help visualize processes, uncover inefficiency, standardize workflows, and document procedures. They are used across industries.
To create a process flow diagram, map the steps in order, add decision points, connect with arrows, use standard symbols, label each element, and analyze for improvements.
Types of diagrams include high-level overviews, cross-functional, swimlane, and detailed flows. Choose the format suited to your objective.
Use best practices like focusing on the big picture, aligning stakeholders, simplifying complex flows, and updating diagrams as processes change.
Now that you know the ins and outs of process flow diagrams, it’s time to start mapping out your company’s workflows! Documenting processes using flowcharts helps optimize efficiency.
The Ultimate Guide to Creating Process Flow Diagrams: Flowchart Templates and Examples
Process flow diagrams, also called flowcharts or process flowcharts, are visual representations of a process or workflow. They show the steps in a process and the order they are completed in. Flowcharts are incredibly useful for visualizing, analyzing and improving processes.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about process flow diagrams. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re important, how to create them, diagram symbols and templates to use, examples, and tips for making excellent process flowcharts.
Read on to become an expert at using flowcharts to understand, communicate and improve processes.
What Is a Process Flow Diagram?
A process flow diagram (PFD) is a diagram that visually displays the sequential steps and flow of a process. PFDs show the relationships between the major components in a system. They are often used to document a process, help employees understand a workflow, and analyze a process for improvements.
PFDs go by many names, including:
Workflow diagram
Process flowchart
Process map
Process chart
Functional flow block diagram
But they all contain the same basic components - symbols that represent steps in a process, connected with arrows showing the sequence and flow.
PFDs can be used for almost any process that has a sequence of events or steps. Their versatility makes them one of the most important and widely used business tools.
Why Are Process Flow Diagrams Useful?
There are many benefits to using process flowcharts in business. Here are some of the top reasons PFDs are so valuable:
Visualize - It's often easier to understand a workflow when you can visualize it as a diagram. PFDs allow you to see the big picture of a process.
Standardization - Using standard symbols means anyone can understand a workflow, which aids in documenting and communicating processes.
Identify Inefficiency - Flowcharts make inefficiencies, redundancies and bottlenecks visually apparent. This helps target areas for process improvement.
Communication - PFDs are useful communication tools that help align employees by allowing them to see their role in the overall workflow.
Onboard Employees - Diagrams help train new employees on processes and procedures.
ISO Certification - PFDs are required documentation for ISO 9001 certification.
Improve Processes - Visual analysis of workflows enables businesses to streamline processes and boost efficiency.
Simply put, process flowcharts are one of the most beneficial business tools you can use due to how effectively they help document, analyze and improve processes.
How to Create a Process Flow Diagram
While process flow diagrams can be complex depending on a process, the basics of creating one are straightforward. Follow these steps:
Identify the process - Clearly define the specific process you want to diagram. Get input from process participants if needed.
Map process steps - Detail each step in the process in order. Capture all steps from start to finish.
Add decision points - Include any decision points or branches in the process flow with yes/no logic.
Connect with arrows - Draw arrows between steps to demonstrate flow and sequence.
Use standard symbols - Represent each step with the appropriate symbol (see examples below).
Label symbols - All symbols should be labeled clearly with 1-2 words.
Analyze & optimize- Review the finished diagram to identify improvement areas.
That's the basics! To take your skills to the next level, continue reading.
Types of Process Flow Diagrams
While most process flow diagrams depict a single workflow, there are different types suited to different purposes. Some examples include:
Basic Flowchart - Shows the basic steps in a process from start to finish.
Cross-functional Flowchart - Covers processes that cross departments.
Swimlane Diagram - Divides steps by department, role or actor.
Top-down Flowchart - Shows a high-level process overview.
Detailed Flowchart - Captures process details like inputs, outputs and loops.
The type you choose depends on your objective. A high-level diagram is best for understanding the big picture while a detailed diagram helps analyze steps for improvement.
Flowchart Symbols and Templates
Standardized symbols are used in process flow diagrams to represent different types of steps. Many originate from flowchart guidelines published by national standards organizations like ANSI and ISO.
Here are some of the most common flowchart symbols and what they represent:
Oval - Represents the start and end steps in a process.
Rectangle - An action, task or process step. The most common symbol.
Diamond - A decision or branch point. Leads to different arrows based on yes/no logic.
Parallelogram - Input/output of information like data, reports or forms.
Cylinder - Represents data storage like a database, filing cabinet or data repository.
Double lines - Connector symbol. Links flowchart sections.
Using standard symbols ensures any reader will understand the diagram. Most flowchart software has built-in symbol libraries. Free templates are also available online.
Flowchart Examples
The best way to understand process flowcharts is to look at a few examples. Here are flowcharts depicting some common business processes and workflows:
Hiring Process Flowchart
This human resources flowchart depicts a typical hiring process from identifying a vacancy to extending a job offer:
Order Processing Flowchart
This workflow shows how an order moves through various departments. Notice the swimlane format.
Software Development Flowchart
Here is a simplified diagram of software development steps:
Manufacturing Process Flowchart
This example captures material and information flows in manufacturing:
These are just a few examples. Process flowcharts are used to document workflows in every industry and department.
Tips for Creating Excellent Process Flow Diagrams
Follow these best practices to get the most out of your process flowcharts:
Focus on the big picture rather than minute details. Most diagrams don't need to capture every single step.
Use standard flowchart symbols whenever possible for clarity.
Align process participants before mapping a workflow. Get their input on the current process.
Don't make diagrams overly complex. Break flows into multiple charts if needed.
Analyze diagrams for problem areas once complete. Brainstorm process improvements.
Update diagrams as processes change. They are not static documents.
Consider using diagram software which makes updating and sharing easy.
Use swimlane diagrams when steps are performed by different teams or roles.
Make sure diagrams are easily accessible by those involved in the processes.
Creating excellent PFDs takes planning, input, analysis and a user-focused approach. But the payoff in process understanding and improvement is immense.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Process flow diagrams are invaluable for understanding, communicating and improving business processes. Mastering flowcharts can help optimize workflows.
Common elements include mapped process steps, flow indicators, and standardized symbols for each step and decision point.
Flowcharts help visualize processes, uncover inefficiency, standardize workflows, and document procedures. They are used across industries.
To create a process flow diagram, map the steps in order, add decision points, connect with arrows, use standard symbols, label each element, and analyze for improvements.
Types of diagrams include high-level overviews, cross-functional, swimlane, and detailed flows. Choose the format suited to your objective.
Use best practices like focusing on the big picture, aligning stakeholders, simplifying complex flows, and updating diagrams as processes change.
Now that you know the ins and outs of process flow diagrams, it’s time to start mapping out your company’s workflows! Documenting processes using flowcharts helps optimize efficiency.
The Ultimate Guide to Creating Process Flow Diagrams: Flowchart Templates and Examples
Process flow diagrams, also called flowcharts or process flowcharts, are visual representations of a process or workflow. They show the steps in a process and the order they are completed in. Flowcharts are incredibly useful for visualizing, analyzing and improving processes.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about process flow diagrams. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re important, how to create them, diagram symbols and templates to use, examples, and tips for making excellent process flowcharts.
Read on to become an expert at using flowcharts to understand, communicate and improve processes.
What Is a Process Flow Diagram?
A process flow diagram (PFD) is a diagram that visually displays the sequential steps and flow of a process. PFDs show the relationships between the major components in a system. They are often used to document a process, help employees understand a workflow, and analyze a process for improvements.
PFDs go by many names, including:
Workflow diagram
Process flowchart
Process map
Process chart
Functional flow block diagram
But they all contain the same basic components - symbols that represent steps in a process, connected with arrows showing the sequence and flow.
PFDs can be used for almost any process that has a sequence of events or steps. Their versatility makes them one of the most important and widely used business tools.
Why Are Process Flow Diagrams Useful?
There are many benefits to using process flowcharts in business. Here are some of the top reasons PFDs are so valuable:
Visualize - It's often easier to understand a workflow when you can visualize it as a diagram. PFDs allow you to see the big picture of a process.
Standardization - Using standard symbols means anyone can understand a workflow, which aids in documenting and communicating processes.
Identify Inefficiency - Flowcharts make inefficiencies, redundancies and bottlenecks visually apparent. This helps target areas for process improvement.
Communication - PFDs are useful communication tools that help align employees by allowing them to see their role in the overall workflow.
Onboard Employees - Diagrams help train new employees on processes and procedures.
ISO Certification - PFDs are required documentation for ISO 9001 certification.
Improve Processes - Visual analysis of workflows enables businesses to streamline processes and boost efficiency.
Simply put, process flowcharts are one of the most beneficial business tools you can use due to how effectively they help document, analyze and improve processes.
How to Create a Process Flow Diagram
While process flow diagrams can be complex depending on a process, the basics of creating one are straightforward. Follow these steps:
Identify the process - Clearly define the specific process you want to diagram. Get input from process participants if needed.
Map process steps - Detail each step in the process in order. Capture all steps from start to finish.
Add decision points - Include any decision points or branches in the process flow with yes/no logic.
Connect with arrows - Draw arrows between steps to demonstrate flow and sequence.
Use standard symbols - Represent each step with the appropriate symbol (see examples below).
Label symbols - All symbols should be labeled clearly with 1-2 words.
Analyze & optimize- Review the finished diagram to identify improvement areas.
That's the basics! To take your skills to the next level, continue reading.
Types of Process Flow Diagrams
While most process flow diagrams depict a single workflow, there are different types suited to different purposes. Some examples include:
Basic Flowchart - Shows the basic steps in a process from start to finish.
Cross-functional Flowchart - Covers processes that cross departments.
Swimlane Diagram - Divides steps by department, role or actor.
Top-down Flowchart - Shows a high-level process overview.
Detailed Flowchart - Captures process details like inputs, outputs and loops.
The type you choose depends on your objective. A high-level diagram is best for understanding the big picture while a detailed diagram helps analyze steps for improvement.
Flowchart Symbols and Templates
Standardized symbols are used in process flow diagrams to represent different types of steps. Many originate from flowchart guidelines published by national standards organizations like ANSI and ISO.
Here are some of the most common flowchart symbols and what they represent:
Oval - Represents the start and end steps in a process.
Rectangle - An action, task or process step. The most common symbol.
Diamond - A decision or branch point. Leads to different arrows based on yes/no logic.
Parallelogram - Input/output of information like data, reports or forms.
Cylinder - Represents data storage like a database, filing cabinet or data repository.
Double lines - Connector symbol. Links flowchart sections.
Using standard symbols ensures any reader will understand the diagram. Most flowchart software has built-in symbol libraries. Free templates are also available online.
Flowchart Examples
The best way to understand process flowcharts is to look at a few examples. Here are flowcharts depicting some common business processes and workflows:
Hiring Process Flowchart
This human resources flowchart depicts a typical hiring process from identifying a vacancy to extending a job offer:
Order Processing Flowchart
This workflow shows how an order moves through various departments. Notice the swimlane format.
Software Development Flowchart
Here is a simplified diagram of software development steps:
Manufacturing Process Flowchart
This example captures material and information flows in manufacturing:
These are just a few examples. Process flowcharts are used to document workflows in every industry and department.
Tips for Creating Excellent Process Flow Diagrams
Follow these best practices to get the most out of your process flowcharts:
Focus on the big picture rather than minute details. Most diagrams don't need to capture every single step.
Use standard flowchart symbols whenever possible for clarity.
Align process participants before mapping a workflow. Get their input on the current process.
Don't make diagrams overly complex. Break flows into multiple charts if needed.
Analyze diagrams for problem areas once complete. Brainstorm process improvements.
Update diagrams as processes change. They are not static documents.
Consider using diagram software which makes updating and sharing easy.
Use swimlane diagrams when steps are performed by different teams or roles.
Make sure diagrams are easily accessible by those involved in the processes.
Creating excellent PFDs takes planning, input, analysis and a user-focused approach. But the payoff in process understanding and improvement is immense.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Process flow diagrams are invaluable for understanding, communicating and improving business processes. Mastering flowcharts can help optimize workflows.
Common elements include mapped process steps, flow indicators, and standardized symbols for each step and decision point.
Flowcharts help visualize processes, uncover inefficiency, standardize workflows, and document procedures. They are used across industries.
To create a process flow diagram, map the steps in order, add decision points, connect with arrows, use standard symbols, label each element, and analyze for improvements.
Types of diagrams include high-level overviews, cross-functional, swimlane, and detailed flows. Choose the format suited to your objective.
Use best practices like focusing on the big picture, aligning stakeholders, simplifying complex flows, and updating diagrams as processes change.
Now that you know the ins and outs of process flow diagrams, it’s time to start mapping out your company’s workflows! Documenting processes using flowcharts helps optimize efficiency.