Process flow diagrams are used in warehouses, assembly lines, and other manufacturing processes.
A business process flow diagram details the workflow of a specific business operation within a company. This is accomplished by creating business process maps that show specific functional areas within a company. The flowchart is completed by creating a drawing of the steps required to complete a specific aspect of work within the company. Each step of the process must be represented by a rectangular figure followed by a connecting line, which defines the specific flow of the process.
There are many automation tools that can help you create a business process flowchart. They can be purchased commercially or downloaded for free from the Internet. The automation tool provides a method to capture and preserve flowcharts for future review.
The flowcharting process does not require sophisticated software tools. Most of the documentation can be done with medium flowchart software. The flowchart will present the steps and tasks in a hierarchical format. The flowchart should document the entire process from start to finish.
The business process flow chart should start with a description of a specific process that a business performs. Creating flowcharts based on company departments can improve the performance of each company’s product or service. Once flowcharts are created for each department or function, additional flowcharts can be used to explain each item within the specific business unit.
An example of a business process might be an Internet sales company using a simple shopping cart application. The business process flow diagram for this role would define how a consumer interacts with the shopping cart to purchase products. This flowchart would document each step of the buying experience. These steps should include customer management, inventory, and financial management processes.
The business process flowchart should be designed for use by other departments in a company. Each flowchart that describes a company function is a module that can be used by other departments in the company. This flowchart should explain a specific task at the lowest possible level.
Inventory management is an example of a specific flowchart. Inventory processes are used by customer sales systems, warehouse management, and assembly line manufacturing processes. By creating a flowchart for each process, the organization will have documented procedures on the company’s role.
Process flow diagrams should be created by subject matter experts who understand the business. This ensures that the flowchart represents the activities that occur during normal business operations. Most business reengineering efforts involve the collaboration of business model experts with business subject matter experts.