Flowcharts module 1

• Flowchart


  A diagram that uses graphic symbols to depict nature and flow of the steps in a process
• Flow Diagram


  A flowchart is also named as
• Flowchart


  It is commonly used by systems analysts to visualize the series of processes in a business system
• Flowchart


  It is a useful tool to design an efficient business system and to troubleshoot or improve an existing system
• A flowchart consists of elements such as

  Terminator, process, sub-process, decision, connectors and arrow lines.
• Terminator


  Represented by a rectangle with curved corners
• Terminator


  It appears at the start and at the end of a flowchart. This ‘end’ appears only once on a single flowchart.
• Process


  Represented by a rectangle
• Process


  Refers to an action in business process and must be described clearly and conciely.
• Sub-process


  Represented by a rectangle with double lines on each side.
• Sub-Process


  It is a major process that could be broken up into simpler processes developed into another flowchart
• Decision


  It is represented by a diamond.
• Decision 


  A process that can answer a decision of “yes” or “no” requires a decision box
• Connector


  represented by a small circle or a connector box and is labelled using letters.
• Connector


  A connector ensures that the processes are connected logically and correctly on several pages
• Arrow lines


  It is drawn in one direction, preferably top to bottom, keep a flow chart clear.
• Basic Flowchart Symbols


  Symbols that are commonly used in flowcharts
• Ovals


  Indicate both the starting point and ending point of the process steps
• Box


  represents an individual step or activity in the process
• Diamond


  Shows a decision point such as yes/no or go/nogo. Each path emerging from the diamond must be labeled with one of the possible answers.
• Circle


  Indicates that a step is connected to another page or part of the flowchart. A letter placed in the circle clarifies the continuation.
• Triangle


  Shows where an in-process measurement occurs.