Flow Chart in 7QC Tools

 - Flowchart is defined as a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm, a step-by-step approach to solving a task.

 - Flow chart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows.

 - Flow charts are used in designing and documenting simple processes or programs.

Use of Process Flow Diagram:

 - Managing Workflow

 - Documenting a process

 - New project planning

 - Audit purpose

History of Flow Diagram:

  - In 1921, industrial engineers Flank and Lillian Gilbreth introduced the "Flow Process Chart" to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

 - In 1947, ASME adopted a symbol system for Flow charts derived from the Gilbreths' original work.

 - In 1960, The American National Symbols Institute (ANSI) set flow charts standards and their symbols.

 - In 1970, International Organizations for Standardization adopted the ANSI symbols of flowcharts.

 - In 1985, The current standards was revised.

Guideline for Flow Chart making:

 - At the time of making a flow diagram, every stage should be listed in a logical order.

 - In all process chart, start symbol only appears once, but end symbol can use more. Also all flow chart have at least one process box.

 - There is only one arrow path graph for same path.

Flow chart Symbols:

 1) Terminal (Oval)

 - It is used for start and End activity of program.

 - They usually contact the word "Start" or "End".

 2) Arrow line

 - Arrow line shows the process order of operation.

 - Arrow line used to indicate line coming from one symbol and ending at other.

 3) Diamond (Rhombus)

 - Diamond is used for decision making purpose.

 - The operation is commonly Yes/No question or True/False test.

 4)  Rectangle

 - Rectangle represents a set of operation that changes value, form or location of data.

Check the below example for better understanding

 5) Parallelogram

 - Parallelogram indicates the process of input and output.

 - It also used to display result

 6) Single document graph

 - It is used to display a single document in any process/program.

 7) Multiple documents graph

 - It is used to display multiple documents in ay process/program.

 8) Delay

 - The delay shape indicates a waiting time where no activity is done.

Benefits of Flow Chart:

 - Improve understanding of process

 - Provide tool for training

 - Identify problem areas and improvement opportunities.

 - Define and analyze the process in an easy way.