8 Flow Chart examples - FREE downloads [in visio & PDF]

Flow charts are a diagrammatic representation of the inputs, outputs and steps that make up a business process. stakeholdermap.com

Flow charts use a widely recognised set of symbols and conventions to document a process, this makes them easy to read and a useful early step in BPM.

For example flow charts are often used to provide a snapshot of current processes which can then be analyzed for process improvement.

[Business Process] Maps and flowcharts help make work visible. Increased visibility improves communication and understanding, and provides a common frame of reference for those involved with the work process. Damelio, R. 1996, pg. 1

Flow Chart examples from real world projects

These Flow Charts were created for real world projects.

Raise Purchase Order Process

flowchart example raising a purchase order

Another example of a cross functional flow chart. This is for raising purchase orders for project related costs. It includes key checks of the supplier list and PO system and includes authorisation by the project manager. Download Visio file - this is a Microsoft Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this flow chart. Download a PDF version instead - Flowchart for raising a Purchase Order in PDF.

Service Request - Call Flow Chart

Example Flow Chart for a Service Request process

This flow chart documents a call handling process for a service request. The service request could be for anything and starts with a customer contacting a call-center agent, with activities and key decision points shown. Download Visio file. This is an MS Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this flow chart. Download a PDF version instead - Service Request Flow Chart in PDF.

Distribution Process Flow Chart

Flow Chart for a Distribution process - thumbnail

This flow chart documents a distribution process. The distribution was of a series of short books at the end of a research project. Although this was mapped for a specific project it is a good example of a cross functional flow chart which includes steps across two project phases. Download Visio file. This is an MS Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this Flow Chart. Download a PDF version instead - Distribution Process flow chart in PDF

Match Invoice Process

This flow chart documents an invoicing process, including attaching purchase orders and passing for authorisation. It is a good example of an incomplete flow chart as the logic/steps for rejecting an invoice are not shown. Download Visio file - this is a Microsoft Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this flow chart. Download a PDF version instead - Invoice Process Flow Chart in PDF.

Scrutiny Process

An example of a flow chart documenting a complex scrutiny /compliance process combined with a timeline. The process crosses multiple functions, using 'columns' to show the tasks between functions and 'rows' to show the actvities against a timeline. Some activities are given dates e.g. for review meetings. Annotations are also used to provide more detail on key tasks.

Download Visio file. This is an MS Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this flow chart. Download a PDF version instead - Finding a Job Work Breakdown Structure in PDF

Scrutiny Process second example

flowchart example for scrutiny of a strategic business plan

Another example of a compliance / scrutiny process. This example documents the scrutiny process is for a strategic business plan.

Download Visio file. This is an MS Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this Flowchart. Download a PDF version instead - Strategic business plan scrutiny process in PDF

Business Readiness Flow Chart

This example flow chart shows a business readiness process for strategic business plan delivery. This is an example of a cross functional flow chart, it is not intended as a business readiness template or a repeatable flow. Download Visio file. This is an MS Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer to see this Flow Chart. Download a PDF version instead - Business Readiness Flow Chart in PDF

Taking the Cat to the Vet - Flow Chart

Flow chart for taking the cat to the vet

A fun example to demonstrate a cross functional flow chart.

Download Visio file. This is an MS Visio file you will need MS Visio or a Visio viewer. Download a PDF version instead - Software upgrade Work Breakdown Structure in PDF.

Example Flow Charts - references and further reading

Damelio, R. (1996) The Basics of Process Mapping, Taylor & Francis. Latest edition.

Office of Government Commerce (2009), Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: 2009 Edition, London: TSO.

Rudolf Melik, (2015).The Rise of the Project Workforce: Managing People and Projects in a Flat World, John Wiley & Sons.