How to Create a Process Flowchart

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Get input on the process first.

   Unless you are documenting something specific to you, get a team together to make sure the process is correct.
   
   You would be amazed at what you don't know that you thought you did.
2. 2

   Step 2: Make sure that you know the appropriate shapes for each step of the process.

   Your software should tell you, but you should know the proper uses for each shape.
   
   Some of them are as follows:
   Start/end
   - Depending on the software, this could be a circle or a very rounded square.
   
   Quite often, this step is skipped.
   
   Process
   - This is an active step or question.
   
   What needs to be done.
   
   Decision to be made
   - Yes/No are common decisions to be made from these particular shapes.
   
   The two arrows would normally indicate yes or no.
   
   Yes or No
   - The arrows are used to show the directional path of the process.
   
   Document
   - If a document is required, you want to use this symbol. ,, It is too easy to miss or forget something. , Have them follow the flowchart to see if they can use it for the intended problem. ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Start documenting the basic process

4. 4

   Step 4: either with software like Visio or SmartDraw

5. 5

   Step 5: or by hand.

6. 6

   Step 6: Keep the original team that you discussed the process with

7. 7

   Step 7: involved.

8. 8

   Step 8: Once you think that the processes have been fairly well documented

9. 9

   Step 9: bring in someone that isn't used to that particular process.

10. 10

    Step 10: Make any further changes that need to be made.

11. 11

    Step 11: Use connectors if you need to carry the flow from one page to another..

Detailed Guide

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