Flowcharting

What is a flowchart? --
A flowchart is an organized combination of shapes, lines, and text that graphically illustrates a process or structure.
For example, you might need to tell a co-worker how to complete a simple task. To you, it may seem simple, but to your co-worker, it may not. If you describe the task in words, it might sound both complicated and confusing: "If you don't need to do step 4, skip to step 7. When you finish step 7, you can go back to step 2..."
Pretty simple, isn't it?
Putting these same instructions in a flowchart takes the confusion out and makes the complicated look simple. Using flowcharts to describe this very same flow of tasks can dramatically reduce the learning curve.
Here's an example of how you could use shapes, lines, and text to build a chart:
The shapes (such as rectangles, circles, or diamonds) represent each step or decision point in the process.
The lines show the continuity of the process, demonstrating the paths the user should follow.
The text briefly describes each part of the process. Follow along on this simple flowchart:


Basic flowchart Symbols

We get a lot of calls requesting definitions for flowcharting symbols. In the past, we have hesitated to define them because flowcharting symbols are dynamic and their meanings continue to grow and change depending on who uses them. Although standards have been established (i.e. ISO, ANSI), people deviate form these standards to suit their own needs. In many cases, individual companies develop standards for their internal use.

Remember, the key to flowcharting is consistency! If you choose to use a symbol in a non-standard fashion, make sure you do it consistently so the reader of the chart knows your meaning for that symbol every time they see it.

In the end, there is no "one" definition for flowcharting symbols. We can, however, provide you with some guidelines for commonly used symbols. The following represents the most commonly used symbols are their generally accepted meanings:

The Process Symbol represents any process, function, or action and is the most frequently used symbol in flowcharting.

The Document Symbol is used to represent any type of hard copy input or output (i.e. reports).

Offpage Connector Symbols are used to indicate the flowchart continues on another page. Often, the page number is placed in the shape for easy reference.

The Input/Output Symbol represents data that is available for input or resulting from processing (i.e. customer database records).

Comment Symbols are used when additional explanation or comment is required. This symbol is usually connected to the symbol it is explaining by a dashed line.

The Decision Symbol is a junction where a decision must be made. A single entry may have any number of alternative solutions, but only one can be chosen.

The Connector Symbol represents the exit to, or entry from, another part of the same flowchart. It is usually used to break a flow line that will be continued elsewhere. It's a good idea to reference page numbers for easy location of connectors.