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flowchart_tutorial

A flowchart is a graphical representation of steps used to visualize complex processes and assist in reasoning, originating from computer science. It employs various symbols, each with specific meanings, to represent different components of a process, such as decisions, operations, and data flow. Flowcharts are beneficial for clarifying processes, identifying inefficiencies, and fostering team understanding.

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5 views

flowchart_tutorial

A flowchart is a graphical representation of steps used to visualize complex processes and assist in reasoning, originating from computer science. It employs various symbols, each with specific meanings, to represent different components of a process, such as decisions, operations, and data flow. Flowcharts are beneficial for clarifying processes, identifying inefficiencies, and fostering team understanding.

Uploaded by

mrymmslmyr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Flowchart Tutorial (with

Symbols,

What is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is a graphical representations of steps. It was originated
from computer science as a tool for representing algorithms and
programming logic but had extended to use in all other kinds of
processes. Nowadays, flowcharts play an extremely important role in
displaying information and assisting reasoning. They help us visualize
complex processes, or make explicit the structure of problems and tasks.
A flowchart can also be used to define a process or project to be
implemented.
Flowchart Symbols
Different flowchart shapes have different conventional meanings. The
meanings of some of the more common shapes are as follows:
Terminator
The terminator symbol represents the starting or ending point of the
system.

Process
A box indicates some particular operation.

Document
This represents a printout, such as a document or a report.

Decision
A diamond represents a decision or branching point. Lines coming out
from the diamond indicates different possible situations, leading to
different sub-processes.

Data
It represents information entering or leaving the system. An input might
be an order from a customer. Output can be a product to be delivered.

On-Page Reference
This symbol would contain a letter inside. It indicates that the flow
continues on a matching symbol containing the same letter somewhere
else on the same page.

Off-Page Reference
This symbol would contain a letter inside. It indicates that the flow
continues on a matching symbol containing the same letter somewhere
else on a different page.

Delay or Bottleneck
Identifies a delay or a bottleneck.

Flow
Lines represent the flow of the sequence and direction of a process.

When to Draw Flowchart?


Using a flowchart has a variety of benefits:
 It helps to clarify complex processes.
 It identifies steps that do not add value to the internal or external
customer, including delays; needless storage and transportation;
unnecessary work, duplication, and added expense; breakdowns in
communication.
 It helps team members gain a shared understanding of the process
and use this knowledge to collect data, identify problems, focus
discussions, and identify resources.
 It serves as a basis for designing new processes.

Flowchart examples
Here are several flowchart examples. See how you can apply a flowchart
practically.
Flowchart Example – Medical Service
This is a hospital flowchart example that shows how clinical cases shall
be processed. This flowchart uses decision shapes intensively in
representing alternative flows.
Flowchart Example – Simple Algorithms
A flowchart can also be used in visualizing algorithms, regardless of its
complexity. Here is an example that shows how flowchart can be used in
showing a simple summation process.
Flowchart Example – Calculate Profit and Loss
The flowchart example below shows how profit and loss can be
calculated.

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