Flow charts are a diagrammatic representation of the inputs, outputs and steps that make up a business process. stakeholdermap.comFlow 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.
[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
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.
Service Request - Call Flow Chart
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.
Distribution Process Flow Chart
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.
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.
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.
Scrutiny Process second example
Another example of a compliance / scrutiny process. This example documents the scrutiny process is for a strategic business plan.
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.
An example Data Flow diagram
This example Data Flow Diagram is free to copy, download and use. Level 1 DFDs should show a process to handle each incoming data flow and a process to generate each output data flow.
Taking the Cat to the Vet - Flow Chart
Need an example of a cross functional flowchart? This is a fun flowchart for taking the cat to the vet. This example is a cross functional flowchart. View on online or download for free in pdf or visio format.
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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.