What is a flowchart and how is it done?

A flowchart, also known as flowchart, it is an extremely useful tool in all areas. Although within the economy and industrial processes it has a greater impact, it is possible to use programming and cognitive psychology.

This type of discipline is quite useful when investigating opportunities for progressive improvement through a detailed understanding of how the process actually works.

We can say that flow charts can be applied in various aspects within practically any process, from the flow of materials necessary, up to the steps required to get to the sale or give the necessary maintenance to a product.

What is a flow chart?

They're a visual representation where a line of steps and actions is incorporated that are involved in a certain process. Basically making a flow chart is to graphically create a representation of various facts, events, situations, relationships or movements to collect information and use it as symbols.

You can respond effectively in different areas by making use of defined symbologies to represent each of the steps of both the process and its execution using arrows to connect them together in a coherent way.

Before making a flow chart it is necessary to be clear about the main ideas to be described, and that without fail they should be included in it.

What is a flow chart for?

There are many aspects that can be attributed to flow schedules, some of the most frequent utilities that are given are these:

• It gives the possibility of establishing different operational indicators for the same project.
• It helps to know the processes required to carry out the project at a glance.
• It can be used to quickly detect unforeseen problems, make an efficient allocation of resources, coordinate each of those involved and define times for each task.
• It allows an excellent definition of the functions and responsibilities of each of those involved in the project.
• As it is completely visual, it allows everyone involved to agree on the methods implemented and how they should solve problems easily and quickly.

How is a flow chart classified?

There are 2 types of flow schedule, these are categorized based on the way they are represented visually and on how the sequence that follows all the information collected is created. The way a flow chart is classified is as follows:

 Linear

Here the activities are represented in a sequence where they appear one below the other. It is very simple to build and is the most recommended when the number of people involved exceeds 6 people, however, it provides very little information.

Matrix

Those involved who intervene during the process of this model appear at the top of the drawing, and the activities are carried out subordinately based on this. These can be built from left to right or from top to bottom, the latter being the most recommended.

Benefits of flow charts

There are several benefits that are obtained when using this type of tools, some of them are these:

• They help all those involved in a project to understand the process, thus facilitating the organization, their integration and their collaboration in the search for solutions.
• The project is presented in a more objective way, therefore, it is easier to clearly identify deficiencies, in such a way that more efficient improvements can be made.
• It allows those involved to feel part of the project without much effort, this leads to a perfect identification between customers and an internal supplier, which is why it is especially effective for Business.
• Seeing themselves being an active part of the project, those involved tend to become more enthusiastic and participatory within it, proposing effective ideas for improvement.
• They are very valuable tools in the education and training of new job personnel, in all areas.
• It is achieved that all those involved who participate in the project understand it perfectly at the same time that it becomes easy to motivate them to achieve their objectives.

How to make a flow chart?

The development of a flow schedule is an excellent discipline that must be implemented in companies to achieve each of their objectives. To be able to make use of this type of tool you have to be clear about the objectives and especially if it is a project to improve or one that is about to start.

Based on this, the steps that must be followed to make a flow chart are these:

If it is a project that already exists

1. The beginning and end of the project must be identified.
2. It is important to observe the completed process and evaluate possible failures, changes and solutions.
3. The steps to be followed during the entire project should be defined, including activities, inputs, outputs and the decisions contributed by all those involved.
4. Represent the project process in a linear or matrix manner depending on which is more effective.
5. Review the project again with each of those involved.
6. After this revision, improve the diagram based on the deficiencies noted.
7. Verify that everything indicated in it agrees perfectly with the expectations of the real project.
8. Identify the date of the same to save as future references within the company.

If it is a completely new project

1. Identify when the project starts and when it ends.
2. Visually recreate the steps to follow during the project process, that is, the decisions made, the activities, inputs and outputs.
3. Define each of the steps to be taken by those involved in all processes regarding activities, decisions, inputs and outputs.
4. Physically draw up the diagram in any of its categories as appropriate to the company and facilitate understanding for those involved.
5. Make a total review of the project together with those involved.
6. Make project improvements within the diagram to make it much more efficient.
7. Identify the date of the diagram and file for future reference within the project and company.

Without a doubt, flow charts are an effective way to involve the participants of a particular project. It has a great capacity for adaptation and integration, which facilitates decision-making, last-minute changes and keeping a meticulous control of projects in process or to be carried out.