| The Process Flow chart provides a visual representation of the steps in a process. Flow charts are also referred to as Process Mapping or Flow Diagrams. Constructing a flow chart is often one of the first activities of a process improvement effort, because of the following benefits:
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Gives everyone a clear understanding of the process |
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Helps to identify non-value-added operations |
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Facilitates teamwork and communication |
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Keeps everyone on the same page |
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| There are many symbols used to construct a flow chart; the more common symbols are shown below:
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| If you have Microsoft Word or Excel, you can access a gallery or symbols in the Autoshapes function, together with a description of their use. The next step is to identify the process steps and link them together with direction arrows.
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| Following is an example of a very simple flow chart for the process of getting out of bed in the morning:
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| You can make a flowchart more useful by adding information beside the boxes. This flowchart gives a better description of the process when you know that the snooze bar gets hit three times, postponing the inevitable by five minutes each time.
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| For a more detailed flow chart example, see the Statistical Process Control module from the Toolbox.
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| As you develop your flow charting skills, look for feedback loops and indirect consequences. In that way, you will move toward System Diagrams, which identify inter-relationships between activities in addition to the process flow. Constructing a complicated process in a team setting requires communication, and can build team understanding.
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| MoreSteam Hint: You can add metrics to help evaluate how much value is added (or subtracted!) at each step - time, cost, defects - and create a Value Added Flow Chart by doing so. |
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