A flowchart is simply a graphical representation of steps.

It shows steps in
sequential order and is widely used in presenting the flow of algorithms,
workflow or processes. Typically, a flowchart shows the steps as boxes of
various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.

What is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is a graphical representations of steps. It was originated from
computer science as a tool for representing algorithms and programming logic
but had extended to use in all other kinds of processes. Nowadays, flowcharts
play an extremely important role in displaying information and assisting
reasoning. They help us visualize complex processes, or make explicit the
structure of problems and tasks. A flowchart can also be used to define a
process or project to be implemented.
Flowchart Symbols
Different flowchart shapes have different conventional meanings. The
meanings of some of the more common shapes are as follows:
Terminator
The terminator symbol represents the starting or ending point of the system.
Process
A box indicates some particular operation.

Document
This represents a printout, such as a document or a report.

Decision
A diamond represents a decision or branching point. Lines coming out from
the diamond indicates different possible situations, leading to different sub-
processes.

Data
It represents information entering or leaving the system. An input might be an
order from a customer. Output can be a product to be delivered.

On-Page Reference
This symbol would contain a letter inside. It indicates that the flow continues
on a matching symbol containing the same letter somewhere else on the same
page.
Off-Page Reference
This symbol would contain a letter inside. It indicates that the flow continues
on a matching symbol containing the same letter somewhere else on a
different page.

Delay or Bottleneck
Identifies a delay or a bottleneck.

Flow
Lines represent the flow of the sequence and direction of a process.

When to Draw Flowchart?

Using a flowchart has a variety of benefits:
 It helps to clarify complex processes.

 It identifies steps that do not add value to the internal or external

customer, including delays; needless storage and transportation;
unnecessary work, duplication, and added expense; breakdowns in
communication.

 It helps team members gain a shared understanding of the process and

use this knowledge to collect data, identify problems, focus discussions,
and identify resources.

 It serves as a basis for designing new processes.

Flowchart examples
Here are several flowchart examples. See how you can apply a flowchart
practically.
Flowchart Example – Medical Service
This is a hospital flowchart example that shows how clinical cases shall be
processed. This flowchart uses decision shapes intensively in representing
alternative flows.

Flowchart Example – Simple Algorithms

A flowchart can also be used in visualizing algorithms, regardless of its
complexity. Here is an example that shows how flowchart can be used in
showing a simple summation process.
Flowchart Example – Calculate Profit and Loss
The flowchart example below shows how profit and loss can be calculated.
1. What is A Flowchart
Flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of a process or workflow. This can be to
represent an algorithm or showcase steps on how to solve a task. As any flowchart
example will show, steps are usually boxes of different kinds that are put in order and
connected with arrows in between.

Teachers can make use of graphic organizer to illustrate knowledge of a section in a text or
topic, also showcasing which are the areas where one needs to improve. The forms of graph
organizers are several such as mind maps, concept maps and webs like spider map examples.

Source:wikimedia.org

2. Benefits of Flowcharts
The popularity of flowcharts is due to the different benefits they provide. There are programs
that help to create flowcharts which are rich in features and automatic. The templates and
tools available help any user to create a flowchart no matter what kind of data is being
represented. The key benefits of representing data by such illustrations are the following:

 Visual Clarity
This is the biggest benefit that such a diagram represents. As one would see with any flow
chart example, such an illustration is good to help visualise multiple progression and
sequences that complete a process or a task.

For instance, workflow for a department can be showcased with a flow chart example and at
the same time leaders can look into what steps are unnecessary and how progress can be
improved.
Source:EdrawMax
  Communication Tool
Flowcharts can be used as communication tools as well, especially among teams. They can
help to replace meetings since progress and steps can be visually clarified among team
members who would see the progress or steps involved in a project.

 Increase Efficiency
This is a significant benefit. Flow charts list every step that is necessary for performing a
process. Those who design flowcharts can review and remove steps that are unnecessary as
well as errors. The chart helps to pinpoint the steps required to reach a certain endpoint.
Source:EdrawMax
  Analysis
This is another benefit of flowcharts. With the help of simple flowchart examples, team leads
or project managers can put forward a solution or steps of action to a team more effectively.
They can also analyze the steps or actions that are required in a process.

 Problem-Solving
With simple flowchart examples, it is easy to break up a problem into parts that are easy to
identify. Flowcharts help to showcase how a problem can be solved or the steps to complete a
task. It also helps to leave out steps that are not required which helps to reduce wastage of
time as well as costs.

Source:EdrawMax
 Documentation
Organizations can use flowcharts as helpful tools to understand the steps where
documentation is required so that the flow of work can be noted. At the same time reduce the
need for documentation where it can be avoided to make actions more efficient.

3. Different Types of Flowchart Examples

There can be flowcharts that illustrate different work processes or problem-solving. Here are
some types and examples highlighted below:

 Service Flowchart
In this flow chart example, it can be a simple service such as how tea is prepared or
how housekeeping service needs to be done in a hotel. The diagrams illustrate the
 different steps of a process and help to build a picture of the same. These can then be
used for analysis, communication or training purposes.

Source:EdrawMax
 Swimlane Flowchart
This is another flow chart example whereby process flows are shown horizontally as
well as vertically. For instance, if the cross-functional flow of process or interlinks
 between different departments need to be shown, this kind of diagrammatic
representation would be ideal.

Source:EdrawMax
 Order Flowchart
This is another format that is popular. As the name suggests, it is usually used to
depict how a customer’s order is carried out. One can use different clipart to make the
flow more meaningful and visually appealing as well. Any banking process help
document can also showcase an example of an order flow chart.
 Source:EdrawMax
 New Project
This is another instance of flow chart example. Here one will find basic or other kinds
of processes as required in a new project being planned through a flowchart. Usually,
software engineers and designers who are planning out a new project will use
flowcharts for such a purpose. For instance, when a payment transaction flow is being
designed, it helps to plan it out in a project format.

 SDL Diagrams
This is another form of a flow chart that is used for showcasing computer algorithms.
One can map out computer algorithms with such diagrams. SDL is the short form for
specification and description language. The flowchart has a unique set of symbols that
correspond to a real-time system or map.

SDL diagrams usually comprise of three components which comprise of defining a

system, a block, and a process. Defining how a set of codes should be implemented is
showcased by SDL diagrams.
 Source:EdrawMax
 Workflow Management
This is another instance or form of flow chart that is popular. How systems should
manage workflow is best showcases with a workflow flowchart. The systems could be
varied such as process integration, the orientation of human tasks and others. The goal
of such diagrams is to showcase the output of consistent quality which is done with a
set of standardized procedures.
 Source:EdrawMax
 Decision Making
Such flowcharts help users to visualize the different options that are found in a
business decision. It could be a guide or a tutorial that helps users walk through
different outcomes and ensure that they have considered relevant questions before
they make a decision. For instance, the different steps by which a user can decide
whether to invest in CRM software.

 EPC Diagram
This is another instance of a flowchart that helps to showcase or model a business
process. These help cover different activities. For instance, there could be a set of
tasks that need to be covered which can lead to possible situations. EPC diagrams are
specialized flowcharts that are event-driven and showcase process chain diagrams.
 Source:EdrawMax

4. How to Create A Flowchart

No matter what kind of flowchart you wish to draw, Edraw offers a powerful software suite
that is easy to use and has relevant tools to help users create flowcharts with a professional
look and finish.

Here the basic steps to take when using Edraw application:

 Use Templates
There are different kinds of templates and symbols offered, most being free as well as varied
when it comes to creating different flow chart diagrams. One can choose from the
comprehensive Edraw library and get started with their diagram.
Source:EdrawMax
 Use Automatic Drawing Feature
This is the next step to take which helps to connect different shapes automatically as well as
align them or add spaces to them. One can add shapes as per the requirement as well as use
smart guides to change or customize shapes and other features.

 Add on Customizations
Once the basic or standard diagram is drawn out, a user can then proceed to add on effects
such as changing themes, using different colors, gradient effects and connector styles.

Source:EdrawMax
  Share File in Different Formats
This is the final and useful step that helps to share a flowchart in different formats as well as
import the same in PPT, Excel or Word. Edraw helps to save file and export it to different
applications seamlessly.

5. Conclusion
The flowchart has several applications in different training and organizational procedures
and processes. With software suites available it becomes easy to streamline any process or
task in a flow chart diagram and customize the same to have a professional finish.

EdrawMax is the easiest diagramming tool, which enables you to creat any kind of graphic
orgranizer diagrams by choosing eye-catching built-in templates and keeping customizing
until you're satisfied.