Process

Mapping
Symbols
Understanding the Key Symbols
in Workflow Mapping

PhD Aggey Petrinec

Introduction to Process Mapping
Symbols
 Purpose of Process Mapping Symbols:
Process mapping symbols are used to represent different elements of a process
in a visual way. These symbols help to streamline communication and simplify
complex workflows.
 Why They Matter:
 Standardized symbols ensure everyone in the team understands the workflow.
 Improves the clarity and consistency of the process map.
 Helps identify key tasks, decision points, inputs, and outputs.
Common Process Mapping Symbols
•Terminator (Oval):
Represents the start and end points of the process.
Example: "Start" and "End" of the process.
•Process Step (Rectangle):
Denotes a specific task or activity that is performed within the process.
Example: "Prepare document" or "Review contract."
•Flow (Arrow):
Indicates the direction or flow of the process from one step to another.
Example: Arrow showing the transition from one task to the next.
Decision Point Symbol

•Decision (Diamond):
Represents a decision point in the process, typically with two or more possible outcomes.
Example: "Is the document approved?" with branches for "Yes" or "No."
•Visual Example:
(Include a simple flowchart with a decision point symbol branching into two paths based on "Yes" and "No.")
Document Symbol
 Document (Wavy Rectangle):
Represents a document or record that is part of the process. Multiple
documents can be shown using multiple stacked wavy rectangles.
Example: "Complete form" or "Contract document.“

 Visual Example:
Show a flowchart where a document symbol connects two process steps.
Data Symbol
• Data (Parallelogram):
Represents data input or output within a process step.
Example: "Enter customer information" or "Generate report."
• Visual Example:
Include a flowchart where a parallelogram is used to show the collection or
output of data.
Manual Input Symbol
 Manual Input (Rectangle with a Slanted Top):
Denotes a step where manual input or data entry is required
Example: "Manually enter data" or "Submit form."
 Visual Example:
Display a simple process where manual data entry is required at a specific
point.
Delay Symbol
 Delay (D-Shaped Symbol):
Indicates a delay or waiting period in the process.
Example: "Wait for approval" or "Pause for feedback."
 Visual Example:
Show a flowchart where a delay symbol is used, followed by a process step
after the delay.
Subprocess Symbol
 Subprocess (Rectangle with Double Vertical Lines):
Refers to a step that is defined elsewhere and represents a detailed
subprocess. It can be expanded to show further details in a separate
flowchart. Example: "Check inventory" (may refer to
a separate flowchart detailing inventory checks).
 Visual Example:
Show a flowchart with a subprocess symbol leading to a detailed
flowchart diagram.
Additional Symbols
 Storage (Cylinder):
Represents stored data or a database.
Example: "Store customer data" or "Save transaction record.“
 Connector (Circle):
Used to connect separate flowchart sections, especially when the
chart is too large to fit on one page.
Example: Connecting different parts of a flowchart
that are on different slides or sections.
Best Practices for Using Process
Mapping Symbols
 Consistency: Always use the same symbols for the same actions across all
your process maps.
 Clarity: Keep the symbols simple and avoid clutter.
 Standardization: Use recognized process mapping symbols (e.g., UML, BPMN)
for easy interpretation across teams.
 Feedback: Get feedback from stakeholders to ensure the symbols are
understood and used correctly.
Sample Process Map with Symbols
• Visual Example:
Create a simple process flowchart using the symbols you've
discussed.Example: A basic process for "Customer Order Processing" that
includes start (Terminator), process steps (Rectangles), decision (Diamond),
data input (Parallelogram), and delay (D-shaped symbol).
• Walkthrough: Briefly explain the flow, highlighting how each symbol is
used.
Conclusion
• Key Takeaways:
Process mapping symbols provide a standardized way to represent processes
visually. They help improve communication, simplify complex workflows, and
ensure that all stakeholders understand the process.
• Next Steps:
Apply these symbols in your own process mapping efforts to create clear,
effective workflows.
Questions and Discussion
 Tips for Creating the PPT:
1. Use Visuals: Include flowcharts and diagrams on most slides to visually demonstrate each
symbol.
2. Keep Slides Simple: Don't overcrowd slides with text. Use bullet points for clarity.
3. Use Color Coding: Different colors for symbols can help differentiate types of process steps
(e.g., blue for decision points, green for process steps).
4. Apply Animations: Use simple animations to reveal each symbol as you talk about them,
making it easier for your audience to focus on the current point.
 This structure should help you create a comprehensive and visually appealing presentation
on process mapping symbols. If you need any help designing specific slides or need a visual
example, feel free to ask!
Name Visual Purpose Description Example
Represents the start or end of a The oval symbol marks the beginning and the end points
Terminator (Oval) process. in a process map. "Start" and "End" of a process.
Represents a task or activity in A rectangular box shows an activity or operation to be Prepare report or "Review
Process Step (Rectangle) the process. carried out. application."
Represents the direction or flow Arrows are used to connect different process steps and Flow from "Start" to "Process
Flow (Arrow) of the process. indicate the flow of control. Step 1."
Represents a decision point in
the process where a choice is A diamond shape indicates a decision where there are two Is the document approved?
Decision (Diamond) made. or more possible outcomes (yes/no, true/false). with paths for "Yes" or "No."
A rectangle with a wavy bottom represents a document
Represents a document or that can be created, stored, or accessed during the Generate report or "Fill out
Document (Wavy Rectangle) report in the process. process. form."

Represents input or output data A parallelogram symbolizes data that is either input into Enter customer data or
Data (Parallelogram) in the process. or output from a process step. "Display report."

Manual Input (Rectangle with Slanted Represents a step where This symbol indicates that manual input is necessary at
Top) manual data entry is required. this step. Enter invoice details manually.
Represents a delay or waiting The delay symbol indicates that there is a pause or hold- Wait for approval or "Pause for
Delay (D-Shaped Symbol) period in the process. up in the process. feedback."
A subprocess symbol refers to a task or group of tasks
Subprocess (Rectangle with Double Represents a subprocess that is that can be broken down into its own detailed process Check inventory (may refer to
Vertical Lines) defined elsewhere. map. a separate, detailed flowchart).
Represents a database or data A cylinder represents stored data, often used for "Store customer details" or
Storage (Cylinder) storage in the process. databases or storage locations. "Save transaction record."
Connects separate parts of the Use to link different flowchart
flowchart, especially when The connector symbol is used to connect different parts when the process is too
Connector (Circle) sections are on different pages. sections of a flowchart that don't fit on the same page. large.