Flowchart

• What is a flowchart?

  A graphical representation of some part of information system
• Flowchart


  It uses standardized symbols that represents a particular flow of transaction
• Give example of a system that use a flowchart

  1. Enrollment system
  2. Computer system
  3. Payroll system
• What are the 4 types of flowchart

  1. Systems flowchart
  2. Program flowchart
  3. Document flowchart
  4. Hardware flowchart
• Systems flowchart

  Give the user a big picture look at an information system
• Program flowcharts

  Show the logic associated with a computer program
• Document flowcharts

  Show the various documents involved in a system
• Hardware flowcharts

  Show computers, printers, monitors, and other elements withins an information system
• Guidelines of good flowcharting

  1. Should be read from top to bottom, left to right.
  2. Should have plenty of white space
  3. Should have a concise title
  4. Should be organized in columns that describe areas of responsibility
  5. Documents should have clear origins and terminations
  6. Should discuss rough drafts to people involved in the process
• Annotations


  Adds descriptive comments/explanations to the process
• File

  Shows how documents are filed
• On-page connector

  Connects the flow within the same page
• Off-page connector

  Connects the flow from different pages
• Decision

  Presents binary outcome in a particular situation
• Generic process


  Used for any process in a flowchart
• Predefined process

  Encapsulates a specific process
• Document


  Remembers that a document should always have an origin. Can be electronic or paper
• Manual process


  If the process does not involve IT system, this can be used instead of "generic process symbol"
• Terminator


  Marks the start/end of a process
• Database


  Used when the data are stored electronically
• Visual Display


  Used when data are displayed in a computer screen
• Line


  Shows directional flow
• Steps inf flowcharting

  1. Establish the system boundary
  2. Determine the column headings
  3. Use actions performed within each column
  4. Select appropriate symbols
  5. Prepare a first draft
  6. Discuss the flowchart with others
  7. Revise as needed