WHAT IS A FLOWCHART?
(AS FOUND AT HTTPS://ASQ.ORG/)
A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order. It is a generic tool
that can be adapted for a wide variety of purposes, and can be used to describe various processes,
such as a manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, or a project plan. It's a
common process analysis tool and one of the seven basic quality tools. Elements that may be
included in a flowchart are a sequence of actions, materials or services entering or leaving the
process (inputs and outputs), decisions that must be made, people who become involved, time
involved at each step, and/or process measurements.
WHEN TO USE A FLOWCHART
To develop understanding of how a process is
done
To study a process for improvement
To communicate to others how a process is done
When better communication is needed between
people involved with the same process
To document a process
When planning a project
FLOWCHART BASIC PROCEDURE
Materials needed: Sticky notes or cards, a large piece of flipchart paper or newsprint, and
marking pens.
1. Define the process to be diagrammed. Write its title at the top of the work surface.
2. Discuss and decide on the boundaries of your process: Where or when does the process
start? Where or when does it end? Discuss and decide on the level of detail to be included
in the diagram.
3. Brainstorm the activities that take place. Write each on a card or sticky note.
4. Arrange the activities in proper sequence.
5. When all activities are included and everyone agrees that the sequence is correct, draw
arrows to show the flow of the process.
6. Review the flowchart with others involved in the process (workers, supervisors, suppliers
and customers) to see if they agree that the process is drawn accurately.
Exercises:
1- Read the suggested text
2- Find the technical vocabulary and its meaning
3- Write a sentence using each technical vocabulary
4- Translate the above text to your native language
