BASIC FLOWCHARTS
Flowcharts vary in complexity. Simple flowcharts can be more effective for
troubleshooting and, when combined with cognitive walk-throughs, offer
powerful aids in understanding, troubleshooting, and improving processes
that directly influence the customer and the staff.
Flowcharts, however, can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially for
those who do not like the quantitative sciences. Therefore, presentation is
very important. Use the following rules as guidelines for effective flowcharting,
whether it is done individually or as a group.
• Be consistent with page orientation. If flowcharts are printed on copy
paper, it’s probably best to make the chart flow from the top down, rather
than left to right. If you have a big horizontal whiteboard in your meeting
room, it would be best to have the flowchart read from left to right.
• If the flowchart is too complex, break it down to smaller, manageable
parts. A process that is difficult to flowchart indicates a problem in itself—
the problem of navigating a complex system. Having a clear, accurate
diagram of a process already forms part of the solution.
• Use of standard, basic flowcharting symbols, as shown in FIGURE 1
below. Consistent symbols make it easier to communicate with and
comprehend diagrams.
Decision
Process End Point Off-Page
Connector
Start Decision
Process End Point Off-Page
Connector
Start
FIGURE 1: FLOWCHARTING SYMBOLS
• Number flowchart items for easy reference. As seen in the flowcharts in
FIGURES 2a and 2b, numbering each node makes it easier to understand
and troubleshoot the process.
• Create a “before” and “after” flowchart, to show how the process has
changed. This makes communication easier, and demonstrates visually
how a change project benefits the current system. Signal Behavioral
Health Network provided the examples in FIGURES 3a and 3b below.
