Post on 06-May-2015
Flow Chart
What is a Flowchart
• Is a diagram that uses graphic symbols to represent the nature and flow of the steps in a process
When Should Use It?
• At the beginning of your process improvement efforts
• Understanding of a process by explaining the steps pictorially (illustrated)
When Should Use It?
• Because the visually sequence steps, it can be very helpful in training the employees according to standardized procedures
• IdenHfy process improvement; once you break down the process, problem areas become more visible
When Should Use It?
• Easy to spot redundant steps and rework loops
• Helping the process workers to understand who their customer are, and how they may someHmes act as suppliers and someHmes as customers in relaHons to other people
QuesHon!
• What is a Flowchart?
QuesHon!
• Benefits of Flowchart?
What Symbols are Used?
• Symbols have specific meanings and are connected by arrows indicaHng the flow from one step to another – Oval; starHng point – Box; acHvity in the process – Diamond; decision point – Circle; parHcular step is connected to another page
What are the level of Flowchart Detail?
• Consider how it will be used and the amount and kind of informaHon needed by the people who will use it – Macro level; big picture – Mini; focus on only a part of macro-‐level – Micro; people trying to improve the way a job is done (very detailed), documenHng every acHon and decision
The Symbols
The Levels
How Do We Get Started?
• Determine what you expect to get from the Flowchart
• IdenHfy who will use it and how • Define the level of detail you need
Boundaries!
• These are the starHng and ending points for your Flowchart
• E.g. for repair shop for pump; might start when pump enters the shop and when it passes final tesHng
• Boundaries determine the number of acHviHes to be studied and the number of people involved in the process, funcHonally and cross-‐funcHonally
What are the keys to successful flowcharHng
• It is vital that you start by depicHng the process the way it really works
• You need to chart the process as it is
The Success
• Start with the BIG Picture – It is best to draw the macro level first, then increased levels of detail
• Observe the current process (in actual operaHon)
• Record the process steps you observed • Arrange the sequence of steps • Draw the flowchart
QuesHon!
• The Key Success?
Flowchart Types
• Three main types – Linear; is a diagram that displays the sequence of work steps that make up a process (can help idenHfy rework and redundant unnecessary steps)
– Deployment Flowchart • Shows the actual process flow and idenHfies the people or groups involved at each step
• Chart shows where the people or groups fit into the process sequence, and how they relate to one another throughout the process
Flowchart Types
• The last one: – Opportunity Flowchart • VariaHons of the basic linear type
– Value added steps; – Cost added only;
Linear Example
Deployment Example
How to Construct a Linear
• Define the process to be flowcharted • Assemble the right people (actually involved in the process)
• Establish process boundaries (starHng and ending points)
• List the steps, acHviHes, and decisions to be charted
How to Construct a Linear
• Put the steps in chronological sequence (might form the last to the first)
• Assign flowchart symbols such as boxes, diamonds
• Review and Htle the flowchart
ConstrucHng a Linear Flowchart
How do we construct a Deployment Flowchart?
• Follow the basic steps for construcHng a Linear Flowchart, but modify them as follows: – List the major steps of the process verHcally on the le_ side of a sheet of paper
– List the responsible process workers across the top, each in a separate column
– Place each step in the appropriate column under the responsible process worker’s name
– Connect the steps in the order in which they relate to each other
NOTE: EveryhorizontallineinaDeploymentFlowchar9den9fiesacustomer-‐supplier rela9onship.
Here it is..
Example I
Example II
Class PracHce!!