Tool 149: Process Flowchart

AKA

Process Flow Analysis

Classification

Analyzing/ITrending (AT)

Tool description

A process flowchart illustrates the major activities, sequence, and flow connections of a work process or project. The flowchart helps a team gain a common understanding of the overall process and its interrelationships. The flowchart can be used to identify problem areas, document a process, or serve as a planning tool for process improvement.

Typical application

• To illustrate the flow or process steps in manufacturing a product, providing a service, or managing a project.

• To provide a common understanding of a complex process.

• To recommend an improved process to the process owner.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
2	Engineering
5	Project management
3	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
4	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Information Needs Analysis

• Systems Analysis Diagram

• Variance Analysis

• Problem Analysis

• Pareto Chart

after

• Process Mapping

• Problem Specification

• Opportunity Analysis

• Work Flow Analysis (WFA)

• Action Plan

Notes and key points

• Legend for process flow chart symbols:

  

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 As a first step, the team facilitator assembles a team whose participants thoroughly understand all aspects of the process. See Example Reengineering Human Resources.

• STEP 2 The overall scope of the process flowchart is determined. A starting and stopping point is identified.

• STEP 3 Next, participants identify all major process steps and the sequence of completion. Reviews, delays, documents, reports, and other important activities are recorded on another flipchart.

• STEP 4 The facilitator uses a whiteboard to start drawing the process flowchart. The participants assist the facilitator in drawing and connecting all process steps in the correct sequence.

• STEP 5 Depending on the level of detail agreed upon, additional information can be noted along with the process steps, as shown in the example.

• STEP 6 Finally, the process flowchart is verified for accuracy and dated.

Example of tool application

Reengineering Human Resources