Process Flow Chart
Description:
The Process Flow Chart provides a visual representation of the steps in a process.
When to Use:
One of the first activities of a process
improvement effort is constructing a flowchart. It provides the following benefits:
1- It give you and everyone a clear understanding of the process.
2- Facilitates teamwork and communication.
3- Helps to identify non-value-added operations.
Flowchart Software
I recommend Edraw software for making flowcharts. With this software you can quickly and easily make flowcharts. If you need to create professional flowcharts use Edraw. Click the link for a free download and you can try it without any commitment.
If you do decide to buy Edraw, it is only $49 which is a bargain compared to other flowcharting software.
Method:
There are many symbols used to construct a flowchart; the more common symbols are shown below:
Identify the process steps and link them together with direction arrows.
Following is an example of a very simple flowchart for the process of getting out of bed in the morning:
