flowchart symbols decision

Flowcharts are visual representations of a process or system that uses symbols and arrows to illustrate the flow of information and decision-making. The symbols used in flowcharts have specific meanings, and understanding these symbols is essential to creating a clear and effective flowchart.

The Importance of Flowcharts

Flowcharts are vital tools for any organization that wants to streamline its processes and improve its efficiency. They are used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and finance. Flowcharts help to:

  • Identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks in a process
  • Visualize complex processes
  • Communicate a process or system to others
  • Standardize a process across an organization
  • Implement process improvements

Flowchart Symbols for Decision-Making Processes

Decision-making processes are an essential part of any organization, and flowcharts are a useful tool for illustrating these processes. The following are some of the most common symbols used in flowcharts to represent decisions:

Diamond Symbol

The diamond symbol is used to represent a decision point in a flowchart. It is often used when there are two or more possible outcomes from a process, and a decision needs to be made to determine the next step. The diamond symbol is also known as a decision node.

Arrows

Arrows are used in flowcharts to indicate the flow of information or decision-making. Arrows can point in different directions, depending on the process being illustrated. For example, an arrow may indicate the flow of information from one step to the next, or it may indicate the decision-making process that leads to a particular outcome.

Flow Lines

Flow lines are used in flowcharts to indicate the order in which steps should be taken in a process. They connect the symbols used in the flowchart and indicate the direction of the flow of information or decision-making.

Terminal Symbol

The terminal symbol is used to indicate the start or end of a flowchart. It is typically represented by a rounded rectangle or oval and is used to indicate the beginning or end of a process.

Process Symbol

The process symbol is used to indicate a step in a process. It is typically represented by a rectangle and is used to indicate an action that needs to be taken in a process.

Examples of Flowchart Symbols for Decision-Making Processes

Let’s look at some examples of how flowchart symbols can be used to illustrate decision-making processes:

Example 1: Hiring Process

The hiring process is a complex process that involves many decision points. The following flowchart illustrates the hiring process using flowchart symbols:

  1. Start the process with the terminal symbol
  2. Use a process symbol to indicate the job opening
  3. Use a decision node (diamond symbol) to indicate the screening process
  4. If the candidate meets the screening criteria, use a process symbol to indicate the first interview
  5. Use a decision node to indicate whether the candidate should move on to the second interview
  6. If the candidate is selected for a second interview, use a process symbol to indicate the interview
  7. Use a decision node to indicate whether the candidate should be offered the job
  8. If the candidate is offered the job, use a process symbol to indicate the job offer
  9. End the process with the terminal symbol

Example 2: Sales Process

The sales process is another example of a process that involves many decision points. The following flowchart illustrates the sales process using flowchart symbols:

  1. Start the process with the terminal symbol
  2. Use a process symbol to indicate the lead generation process
  3. Use a decision node to indicate whether the lead is qualified
  4. If the lead is qualified, use a process symbol to indicate the sales pitch
  5. Use a decision node to indicate whether the prospect is interested
  6. If the prospect is interested, use a process symbol to indicate the proposal
  7. Use a decision node to indicate whether the proposal is accepted
  8. If the proposal is accepted, use a process symbol to indicate the sale
  9. End the process with the terminal symbol

Conclusion

Flowcharts are essential tools for any organization that wants to streamline its processes and improve its efficiency. Understanding flowchart symbols is crucial to creating a clear and effective flowchart. Decision-making processes are a vital part of any organization, and flowchart symbols can be used to illustrate these processes effectively. By using flowcharts to visualize processes, organizations can identify inefficiencies, standardize processes, and implement process improvements.