flow chart of business plan

Business Plan Flowchart Complete Guide

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Do you want an organized route for your business workflow? Keeping track of your business progress can become difficult if you cannot enlist your goals. Plus, you need something that reminds you about the resources and guides you to their usage. A business plan flow chart is the solution for you. It is a graphical representation of the workflow of a business process. This simple chart shows how each step in the process gets to the finish line and how it relates to others.

1. What Is A Business Plan

A business plan is a formal statement of business goals and objectives. It's a written document that describes the company's mission, strategies, and financial information. Moreover, It is also a road map for the future.

Furthermore, this comprehensive document that outlines the business's goals, objectives, and strategies is a passage for your future success as an entrepreneur. Business plan flow charts are essential for any business owner who wants to take their business to the next level.

Elements Of A Business Plan:

The business plan is not just the name of a hard piece of paper. On the contrary, it is a mixture of diverse statistical and theoretical elements, some of which are as follows:

The first element of a business plan is its purpose. When starting a new business, you'll want to define your goals and how you intend to achieve them.

The second element is the product or service that your business provides. You'll want to describe what it is you're offering, and why it's better than those alternatives. Furthermore, it is better to target customers and answer what problems or issues it solves for them.

• Financial Statistics:

The third element of the business plan flow chart is how much capital (money) you need to get started. You'll need enough funds to cover initial expenses, such as advertising costs and lease payments on office space or equipment.

• Task Timeline:

The fourth element is a timeline for when accomplishments must meet the end. Plus, it includes milestones that indicate finished objectives and money spent on them.

• Financial Analysis:

The fifth element is a financial analysis. It breaks down the costs of running the business by category. As a result, it helps you to determine whether or not there's enough money available for everything involved in running it at once.

2. 4 Different Business Plan Types

A business plan flow chart helps you understand what your company will look like and how much money it will need to get off the ground. However, not all of them are created equal. It may vary based on the company framework, data provided, and business objectives. In this article, you'll get a comprehensive overview of 4 different business plan flow chart templates that can help you understand the overall notion of a business plan.

2.1 Business Plan Process

The business plan process flow chart type is a simple diagram. However, it is an essential one indeed. The visualization includes a top-down process enlisting for business growth. It all starts from the goal, which maps the further procedures accordingly. The end focus product is the budget. The business plan flow chart highlights specific strategic and tactical objectives throughout the journey. Each is essential for business performance and judgment for better decision-making. The overall physical presentation may not be luxurious. However, it serves a much bigger purpose, making it far more critical. Considering all the above facts, we can say that this type is a comprehensive process guide for employees and investors to look into.

2.2 Market Analysis Business Plan

The Market Analysis Business Plan is a business plan that focuses on the industrial analysis of your company. It's essential to include information about the following:

• The market, including its size and growth rate
• Your competition (including their strengths and weaknesses)
• Your target audience (what do they want?)

Unlike the above example, this business plan flow chart type gives a much more detailed overview to the business owner and investor. It focuses on the target market, and the share business has in it. This type is essentially beneficial for most companies. Whether you have a small or huge business, it will analyze your market exposure accordingly.

2.3 Business Plan Timeline

The business plan timeline visually represents the order in which tasks should be completed. It helps you visualize your progress and decide what's most important for your project. It can be of yearly timeline progress or future task procedural approach. In general, every business plan flow chart based on a timeline has four different quadrants.

The first quadrant defines what the business is all about. As a result, it sets the stage for everything else in the plan. All the goals and subjects come under this category. The second quadrant helps you assess what your company wants to accomplish, focusing specifically on customer needs or wants at a specific time. Unlike the above example, this business plan flow chart type gives a much more detailed overview to the business owner and investor. It focuses on the target market, and the share business has in it. This type is essentially beneficial for most companies. Whether you have a small or huge business, it will analyze your market exposure accordingly.

2.4 Business Strategy Diagram

A business strategy diagram is a step-by-step flowchart. This business plan flow chart helps you simultaneously visualize the process of developing and implementing your company's overall mission, vision, and goals. Moreover, it can help you evaluate potential new growth strategies and improve current ones. A business strategy diagram includes a whole architecture that summarizes your organization's overall goal.

Simply put, it is a step-by-step roadmap targeting economic departments, strategies to work, and actions performed in a business. Furthermore, it classifies how grouped, and individual actions impact business growth. All in all, this type is an in-depth value analysis chart for every small and big firm that wants ideal business automation.

3. Tips To Create A Business Plan That Stands Out

The Business Plan Flow chart is a visual way of showing the procedural roadmap of a business. It helps your team see the big picture and visualize the order in which tasks need completion. It can help them understand how to sequence their work, so they don't miss anything.

An exemplary flowchart also helps you create a business plan that stands out from competitors. It is possible by providing more information than other companies do about their company goals, services offered, and market presence. To create an ideal business plan that has the potential to visualize a complex production framework, you must follow the given tips.

• The business plan flow chart should be simple, clear, and concise so readers can easily understand it.
• The business plan should include at least one example of how each element has been completed successfully or unsuccessfully in the past. It is necessary because it shows how other people have accomplished similar tasks previously and helps increase confidence that you can do it too!
• Be honest, and do not overestimate your capabilities. Be realistic about the time it takes to accomplish your goal and what resources you need.
• It s better if the business plan flow chart references previous projects as testimonials for future projects. It shows that you have experience with similar tasks, improving customer and investor confidence.
• Make sure that you clearly understand your target audience's demographics and how they will react to your product or service.

4. Conclusion

A business plan flow chart effectively organizes your business and keeps track of the tasks due for completion. It is also a great tool for communicating with investors, bankers, or partners. The above examples show how a simple flowchart can help you communicate ideally while maintaining order in your company's growth process. With EdrawMax , creating, designing, and sharing happens all in one place. You do not have to worry about losing your files, as all the exported files from EdrawMax are highly encrypted. All in all, EdrawMax is a solid tool -- you just sit with your design ideas and explore the tons of features that this business plan maker has to offer.

Flowchart Complete Guide

Check this complete guide to know everything about flowchart, like flowchart types, flowchart symbols, and how to make a flowchart.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Simple Business Plan

By Joe Weller | October 11, 2021

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A business plan is the cornerstone of any successful company, regardless of size or industry. This step-by-step guide provides information on writing a business plan for organizations at any stage, complete with free templates and expert advice. 

Included on this page, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan and a chart to identify which type of business plan you should write . Plus, find information on how a business plan can help grow a business and expert tips on writing one .

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that communicates a company’s goals and ambitions, along with the timeline, finances, and methods needed to achieve them. Additionally, it may include a mission statement and details about the specific products or services offered.

A business plan can highlight varying time periods, depending on the stage of your company and its goals. That said, a typical business plan will include the following benchmarks:

• Product goals and deadlines for each month
• Monthly financials for the first two years
• Profit and loss statements for the first three to five years
• Balance sheet projections for the first three to five years

Startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses all create business plans to use as a guide as their new company progresses. Larger organizations may also create (and update) a business plan to keep high-level goals, financials, and timelines in check.

While you certainly need to have a formalized outline of your business’s goals and finances, creating a business plan can also help you determine a company’s viability, its profitability (including when it will first turn a profit), and how much money you will need from investors. In turn, a business plan has functional value as well: Not only does outlining goals help keep you accountable on a timeline, it can also attract investors in and of itself and, therefore, act as an effective strategy for growth.

For more information, visit our comprehensive guide to writing a strategic plan or download free strategic plan templates . This page focuses on for-profit business plans, but you can read our article with nonprofit business plan templates .

Business Plan Steps

The specific information in your business plan will vary, depending on the needs and goals of your venture, but a typical plan includes the following ordered elements:

• Executive summary
• Description of business
• Market analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Description of organizational management
• Description of product or services
• Marketing plan
• Sales strategy
• Funding details (or request for funding)
• Financial projections

If your plan is particularly long or complicated, consider adding a table of contents or an appendix for reference. For an in-depth description of each step listed above, read “ How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step ” below.

Broadly speaking, your audience includes anyone with a vested interest in your organization. They can include potential and existing investors, as well as customers, internal team members, suppliers, and vendors.

Do I Need a Simple or Detailed Plan?

Your business’s stage and intended audience dictates the level of detail your plan needs. Corporations require a thorough business plan — up to 100 pages. Small businesses or startups should have a concise plan focusing on financials and strategy.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Business

In order to identify which type of business plan you need to create, ask: “What do we want the plan to do?” Identify function first, and form will follow.

Use the chart below as a guide for what type of business plan to create:

Is the Order of Your Business Plan Important?

There is no set order for a business plan, with the exception of the executive summary, which should always come first. Beyond that, simply ensure that you organize the plan in a way that makes sense and flows naturally.

The Difference Between Traditional and Lean Business Plans

A traditional business plan follows the standard structure — because these plans encourage detail, they tend to require more work upfront and can run dozens of pages. A Lean business plan is less common and focuses on summarizing critical points for each section. These plans take much less work and typically run one page in length.

In general, you should use a traditional model for a legacy company, a large company, or any business that does not adhere to Lean (or another Agile method ). Use Lean if you expect the company to pivot quickly or if you already employ a Lean strategy with other business operations. Additionally, a Lean business plan can suffice if the document is for internal use only. Stick to a traditional version for investors, as they may be more sensitive to sudden changes or a high degree of built-in flexibility in the plan.

How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step

Writing a strong business plan requires research and attention to detail for each section. Below, you’ll find a 10-step guide to researching and defining each element in the plan.

Step 1: Executive Summary

The executive summary will always be the first section of your business plan. The goal is to answer the following questions:

• What is the vision and mission of the company?
• What are the company’s short- and long-term goals?

See our  roundup of executive summary examples and templates for samples. Read our executive summary guide to learn more about writing one.

Step 2: Description of Business

The goal of this section is to define the realm, scope, and intent of your venture. To do so, answer the following questions as clearly and concisely as possible:

• What business are we in?
• What does our business do?

Step 3: Market Analysis

In this section, provide evidence that you have surveyed and understand the current marketplace, and that your product or service satisfies a niche in the market. To do so, answer these questions:

• Who is our customer? 
• What does that customer value?

Step 4: Competitive Analysis

In many cases, a business plan proposes not a brand-new (or even market-disrupting) venture, but a more competitive version — whether via features, pricing, integrations, etc. — than what is currently available. In this section, answer the following questions to show that your product or service stands to outpace competitors:

• Who is the competition? 
• What do they do best? 
• What is our unique value proposition?

Step 5: Description of Organizational Management

In this section, write an overview of the team members and other key personnel who are integral to success. List roles and responsibilities, and if possible, note the hierarchy or team structure.

Step 6: Description of Products or Services

In this section, clearly define your product or service, as well as all the effort and resources that go into producing it. The strength of your product largely defines the success of your business, so it’s imperative that you take time to test and refine the product before launching into marketing, sales, or funding details.

Questions to answer in this section are as follows:

• What is the product or service?
• How do we produce it, and what resources are necessary for production?

Step 7: Marketing Plan

In this section, define the marketing strategy for your product or service. This doesn’t need to be as fleshed out as a full marketing plan , but it should answer basic questions, such as the following:

• Who is the target market (if different from existing customer base)?
• What channels will you use to reach your target market?
• What resources does your marketing strategy require, and do you have access to them?
• If possible, do you have a rough estimate of timeline and budget?
• How will you measure success?

Step 8: Sales Plan

Write an overview of the sales strategy, including the priorities of each cycle, steps to achieve these goals, and metrics for success. For the purposes of a business plan, this section does not need to be a comprehensive, in-depth sales plan , but can simply outline the high-level objectives and strategies of your sales efforts. 

Start by answering the following questions:

• What is the sales strategy?
• What are the tools and tactics you will use to achieve your goals?
• What are the potential obstacles, and how will you overcome them?
• What is the timeline for sales and turning a profit?
• What are the metrics of success?

Step 9: Funding Details (or Request for Funding)

This section is one of the most critical parts of your business plan, particularly if you are sharing it with investors. You do not need to provide a full financial plan, but you should be able to answer the following questions:

• How much capital do you currently have? How much capital do you need?
• How will you grow the team (onboarding, team structure, training and development)?
• What are your physical needs and constraints (space, equipment, etc.)?

Step 10: Financial Projections

Apart from the fundraising analysis, investors like to see thought-out financial projections for the future. As discussed earlier, depending on the scope and stage of your business, this could be anywhere from one to five years. 

While these projections won’t be exact — and will need to be somewhat flexible — you should be able to gauge the following:

• How and when will the company first generate a profit?
• How will the company maintain profit thereafter?

Business Plan Template

Download Business Plan Template

Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet

This basic business plan template has space for all the traditional elements: an executive summary, product or service details, target audience, marketing and sales strategies, etc. In the finances sections, input your baseline numbers, and the template will automatically calculate projections for sales forecasting, financial statements, and more.

For templates tailored to more specific needs, visit this business plan template roundup or download a fill-in-the-blank business plan template to make things easy. 

If you are looking for a particular template by file type, visit our pages dedicated exclusively to Microsoft Excel , Microsoft Word , and Adobe PDF business plan templates.

How to Write a Simple Business Plan

A simple business plan is a streamlined, lightweight version of the large, traditional model. As opposed to a one-page business plan , which communicates high-level information for quick overviews (such as a stakeholder presentation), a simple business plan can exceed one page.

Below are the steps for creating a generic simple business plan, which are reflected in the template below .

• Write the Executive Summary This section is the same as in the traditional business plan — simply offer an overview of what’s in the business plan, the prospect or core offering, and the short- and long-term goals of the company. 
• Add a Company Overview Document the larger company mission and vision. 
• Provide the Problem and Solution In straightforward terms, define the problem you are attempting to solve with your product or service and how your company will attempt to do it. Think of this section as the gap in the market you are attempting to close.
• Identify the Target Market Who is your company (and its products or services) attempting to reach? If possible, briefly define your buyer personas .
• Write About the Competition In this section, demonstrate your knowledge of the market by listing the current competitors and outlining your competitive advantage.
• Describe Your Product or Service Offerings Get down to brass tacks and define your product or service. What exactly are you selling?
• Outline Your Marketing Tactics Without getting into too much detail, describe your planned marketing initiatives.
• Add a Timeline and the Metrics You Will Use to Measure Success Offer a rough timeline, including milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs) that you will use to measure your progress.
• Include Your Financial Forecasts Write an overview of your financial plan that demonstrates you have done your research and adequate modeling. You can also list key assumptions that go into this forecasting. 
• Identify Your Financing Needs This section is where you will make your funding request. Based on everything in the business plan, list your proposed sources of funding, as well as how you will use it.

Simple Business Plan Template

Download Simple Business Plan Template

Microsoft Excel |  Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF  | Smartsheet

Use this simple business plan template to outline each aspect of your organization, including information about financing and opportunities to seek out further funding. This template is completely customizable to fit the needs of any business, whether it’s a startup or large company.

Read our article offering free simple business plan templates or free 30-60-90-day business plan templates to find more tailored options. You can also explore our collection of one page business templates . 

How to Write a Business Plan for a Lean Startup

A Lean startup business plan is a more Agile approach to a traditional version. The plan focuses more on activities, processes, and relationships (and maintains flexibility in all aspects), rather than on concrete deliverables and timelines.

While there is some overlap between a traditional and a Lean business plan, you can write a Lean plan by following the steps below:

• Add Your Value Proposition Take a streamlined approach to describing your product or service. What is the unique value your startup aims to deliver to customers? Make sure the team is aligned on the core offering and that you can state it in clear, simple language.
• List Your Key Partners List any other businesses you will work with to realize your vision, including external vendors, suppliers, and partners. This section demonstrates that you have thoughtfully considered the resources you can provide internally, identified areas for external assistance, and conducted research to find alternatives.
• Note the Key Activities Describe the key activities of your business, including sourcing, production, marketing, distribution channels, and customer relationships.
• Include Your Key Resources List the critical resources — including personnel, equipment, space, and intellectual property — that will enable you to deliver your unique value.
• Identify Your Customer Relationships and Channels In this section, document how you will reach and build relationships with customers. Provide a high-level map of the customer experience from start to finish, including the spaces in which you will interact with the customer (online, retail, etc.). 
• Detail Your Marketing Channels Describe the marketing methods and communication platforms you will use to identify and nurture your relationships with customers. These could be email, advertising, social media, etc.
• Explain the Cost Structure This section is especially necessary in the early stages of a business. Will you prioritize maximizing value or keeping costs low? List the foundational startup costs and how you will move toward profit over time.
• Share Your Revenue Streams Over time, how will the company make money? Include both the direct product or service purchase, as well as secondary sources of revenue, such as subscriptions, selling advertising space, fundraising, etc.

Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Download Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

Startup leaders can use this Lean business plan template to relay the most critical information from a traditional plan. You’ll find all the sections listed above, including spaces for industry and product overviews, cost structure and sources of revenue, and key metrics, and a timeline. The template is completely customizable, so you can edit it to suit the objectives of your Lean startups.

See our wide variety of  startup business plan templates for more options.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Loan

A business plan for a loan, often called a loan proposal , includes many of the same aspects of a traditional business plan, as well as additional financial documents, such as a credit history, a loan request, and a loan repayment plan.

In addition, you may be asked to include personal and business financial statements, a form of collateral, and equity investment information.

Download free financial templates to support your business plan.

Tips for Writing a Business Plan

Outside of including all the key details in your business plan, you have several options to elevate the document for the highest chance of winning funding and other resources. Follow these tips from experts:.

• Keep It Simple: Avner Brodsky , the Co-Founder and CEO of Lezgo Limited, an online marketing company, uses the acronym KISS (keep it short and simple) as a variation on this idea. “The business plan is not a college thesis,” he says. “Just focus on providing the essential information.”
• Do Adequate Research: Michael Dean, the Co-Founder of Pool Research , encourages business leaders to “invest time in research, both internal and external (market, finance, legal etc.). Avoid being overly ambitious or presumptive. Instead, keep everything objective, balanced, and accurate.” Your plan needs to stand on its own, and you must have the data to back up any claims or forecasting you make. As Brodsky explains, “Your business needs to be grounded on the realities of the market in your chosen location. Get the most recent data from authoritative sources so that the figures are vetted by experts and are reliable.”
• Set Clear Goals: Make sure your plan includes clear, time-based goals. “Short-term goals are key to momentum growth and are especially important to identify for new businesses,” advises Dean.
• Know (and Address) Your Weaknesses: “This awareness sets you up to overcome your weak points much quicker than waiting for them to arise,” shares Dean. Brodsky recommends performing a full SWOT analysis to identify your weaknesses, too. “Your business will fare better with self-knowledge, which will help you better define the mission of your business, as well as the strategies you will choose to achieve your objectives,” he adds.
• Seek Peer or Mentor Review: “Ask for feedback on your drafts and for areas to improve,” advises Brodsky. “When your mind is filled with dreams for your business, sometimes it is an outsider who can tell you what you’re missing and will save your business from being a product of whimsy.”

Outside of these more practical tips, the language you use is also important and may make or break your business plan.

Shaun Heng, VP of Operations at Coin Market Cap , gives the following advice on the writing, “Your business plan is your sales pitch to an investor. And as with any sales pitch, you need to strike the right tone and hit a few emotional chords. This is a little tricky in a business plan, because you also need to be formal and matter-of-fact. But you can still impress by weaving in descriptive language and saying things in a more elegant way.

“A great way to do this is by expanding your vocabulary, avoiding word repetition, and using business language. Instead of saying that something ‘will bring in as many customers as possible,’ try saying ‘will garner the largest possible market segment.’ Elevate your writing with precise descriptive words and you'll impress even the busiest investor.”

Additionally, Dean recommends that you “stay consistent and concise by keeping your tone and style steady throughout, and your language clear and precise. Include only what is 100 percent necessary.”

Resources for Writing a Business Plan

While a template provides a great outline of what to include in a business plan, a live document or more robust program can provide additional functionality, visibility, and real-time updates. The U.S. Small Business Association also curates resources for writing a business plan.

Additionally, you can use business plan software to house data, attach documentation, and share information with stakeholders. Popular options include LivePlan, Enloop, BizPlanner, PlanGuru, and iPlanner.

How a Business Plan Helps to Grow Your Business

A business plan — both the exercise of creating one and the document — can grow your business by helping you to refine your product, target audience, sales plan, identify opportunities, secure funding, and build new partnerships. 

Outside of these immediate returns, writing a business plan is a useful exercise in that it forces you to research the market, which prompts you to forge your unique value proposition and identify ways to beat the competition. Doing so will also help you build (and keep you accountable to) attainable financial and product milestones. And down the line, it will serve as a welcome guide as hurdles inevitably arise.

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When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

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How to choose the most effective flow chart

What is a flow chart .

Flow charts give people a way to visually depict a process or system using shapes or a combination of shapes and words. They can range from quick, hand-drawn pictures to robust, computer-generated diagrams that break down complex ideas into digestible, easy-to-understand pieces. In addition, technical and non-technical people in virtually any field can use flow charts. 

They’re particularly useful in a variety of situations including:  

• Documenting and analyzing processes 
• Developing computer software or networks 
• Communicating or standardizing processes 
• Identifying redundancies, roadblocks and inefficiencies in processes 
• Creating a plan or structure for a new project, department or business 
• Planning project work with multiple stakeholders 
• Understanding how users navigate a website or store 
• Illustrating a manufacturing process 
• Creating a new product or service 

 Flow chart benefits 

Along with the ability to work in almost any scenario, flow charts offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

Information visualization 

A flow chart can be a boon as it provides a visual of how a product or service should work, how a project should flow, or how a network can function before it’s built. By allowing you to identify dependencies, efficiencies, staffing needs and other variables that could impact your project later, flow charts can help you save time and money. 

Documentation 

With a flow chart maker, you can save all your files digitally, distribute them almost instantly, and even create a library of flow chart templates. This way, your files will always be accessible, your teams can stay up to date, your company can stay compliant and you won’t have to reinvent the wheel next time you need to design a similar chart. 

Simplified communication 

Flow charts make every detail clear, which can help teams quickly understand the tasks at hand, when and by whom. This information can mean fewer meetings, fielding fewer questions and give everyone more time for work. Flow charts are also helpful with informational manuals or even onboarding employees. Essentially, flow charts add context to instruction sets, and bring greater efficiency for recurring tasks.  

Easy execution 

Online flow chart templates make it easy to get started quickly. And with simple customizations, streamlined collaboration and built-in version control, you can create exactly what your organization needs, seek input at every stage and will always know where the latest and greatest files are.   

Types of flow charts  

Although flow charts can be used to explain just about anything, most people use them for one of three reasons: to inform decisions, show processes or to visualize data—which is why most flow chart templates fall into one of those three categories. So, let’s take a look at what each type of flow chart entails and when and why to use them.  

1. Decision tree 

Think of a decision tree like an “if this, then that” flow chart. By allowing you to create a map of possible outcomes based on a specific set of choices, a decision tree can help you see a path clearly and weigh your options. 

Decision trees usually begin with a single node (the question), then branch into two options (decisions), then those options lead to additional nodes (possible outcomes). Because of their nature, decision trees are especially good at highlighting probabilities and benefits and can even be used to design algorithms that help predict outcomes. 

2. Process flow chart 

By giving you the power to diagram and analyze the flow of activities when producing a product or service, a process flow chart can help you find gaps and redundancies in your process, identify where specific resources, equipment or people are needed, reveal potential bottlenecks or problem areas, and uncover possible efficiencies.  

Along with outlining how an activity should function, or the provisions of a product or service, process flow charts can also onboard new employees, train existing teams or help outside vendors or consultants understand your business and where they fit in. 

3. Data flow chart 

When you need to take a deep dive into your data, a data flow diagram can help. By using symbols and short text labels to show data inputs, outputs, storage points and pathways, they can condense information into a graphic representation of what may be difficult to verbalize. And, because tech teams and non-technical stakeholders can use them, they’re a great option when you have to present to a broad audience.  

Flow chart tips 

Making a flow chart, especially when using a flow chart template is simple, but making a great flow chart takes a little more thought. So, let’s look at some tips for creating a flow chart that not only informs but looks spectacular. 

• Make your diagrams easy to read . Create your flow chart with the end-user in mind means making sure it’s layout and composition helps your audience knows where to look first and where to look next. By adjusting your alignment as needed, using proper grammar, clear titles, and avoiding jargon, you can ensure your diagram is user-friendly. (Hint: When in doubt, test it out on someone unfamiliar with your project.) 
• Be consistent . When you use shapes, fonts, colors and naming conventions consistently throughout the flow chart, your audience can follow along easier.  
• Use contrast . Using colors consistently is fundamental, but you don’t want to use the same color or color family for every shape. By using distinct colors, you can make steps or actions more prominent. And by using font colors that stand out from the background, your diagram will be easier to read. 
• Use an online flow chart maker . With templates, built-in version control, easy collaboration and the option to edit them anytime, they can help you test out designs and create and manage your diagrams on your schedule.   

Integrate your flow chart 

Whether you need to make a decision, explain a process, or share data with your CEO, embedding flow charts into other business applications and communication tools can further enhance productivity. By using a flow chart maker and productivity tools, you can pull content for your diagrams from all your go-to sources, including documents, files and social media sites.  

Also, you might consider integrating your flow charts with business intelligence (BI) tools, allowing you and your team to interact with your data and tell a better story. With embedded flow charts and BI tools , you can turn data into engaging visuals, create interactive reports, explore data granularly, and gain insights that make fast, informed decisions possible.  

There are so many new ways to create flow charts and bring innovation to your business. To learn more, check out this step-by-step  guide  for automating flow charts from structured data in spreadsheets, and take a deep dive into modern  flow chart tools .  

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Managing Business Process Flows | A Comprehensive Guide

Managing business process flows can make or break your B2B eCommerce or online marketplace business. As you know, process flows optimize and streamline various business operations.

Even complex business processes can be broken down into smaller workflows with the right business process flow. With a documented process, team members can learn different work operations quickly.

In the long run, you can automate your workflow and increase efficiency within your business. Managing business process flows begins with business process mapping and creating functional flow block diagrams.

Let’s discuss the basics of managing business processes and how to automate your business process with flow charts. We’ll also review some contemporary examples from practice.

Getting Started With a Business Process Flow

Various business process types exist within any organization. Every procedure has a workflow presentation of the development of different processes.

You must make a flow chart for each workflow in order to successfully optimize company processes. Workflows make the development of ideas and understanding core operations management easier.

Different workflow outcomes can be selected and added to business process diagrams. Internal procedures like inventory tracking methods and personnel onboarding can be completed using a sharper, more streamlined presentation and workflow.

What Is a Business Process Flow?

A business process flow is the series of steps that a team takes to accomplish a task. With a flowchart, you can show business operations like warehouse inventory management .

Process automation is made possible by having process flows for all types of operations. For instance, when working on new tasks or challenges, the team can consult a business process flow diagram.

In addition, a process flow makes it possible for each team member to monitor tasks and regular company operations. Another benefit of a process flow is it enhances team performance.

There are different types of business operations in an eCommerce business. Mapping out the process of these operations will result in managing business process flows successfully.

Types of Business Processes

• Operational Processes
• Management Processes
• Supporting Processes

Business Process Flow vs. Workflow

Oftentimes most business owners interchange the terms business process flow and workflow. While these terms are similar, they mean different things.

Workflow is the series of actions taken to complete a task from start to finish. However, a business process flow is a sequence of steps taken to achieve an organizational goal. 

In addition, workflows are tools and technologies that allow the flow of activity documents from one point to another. On the other hand, a process flow is a cumulation of multiple workflows to achieve a business goal.

How to Build a Business Process Flow

You can build a business process flow for any operation within your eCommerce business setup. Here are some steps you can follow to create the perfect workflow for your business:

• Set your eCommerce business plan , goals, and objectives . Once this is up, it will be easy to align all activities and business operations to accomplish the set goals.
• Create your eCommerce team structure . Having an organizational structure in place will make it easier for team members to know and understand their roles. 
• Visualize and determine the main components of your workflow process . You need to set the steps of each business process and determine how you want the workflow to look.
• Create workflow diagrams. Use business process modeling tools to create your workflow diagrams. You can also download a free business process flow chart template online.
• Put the flow chart diagram into action. Test if your data flow diagrams align with your business operations.
• Set KPIs and monitor them. Setting eCommerce KPIs for each workflow will help you track and monitor performance and effectiveness.

Making a Business Process Flow Chart

A business process flowchart can simplify complex activities, making them easier to manage. This is especially important for businesses, as having a structured data-driven approach and a productive workflow is crucial to success. 

In addition to using eCommerce automation tools , a process flowchart can help streamline work within your company. By creating a flow chart for your company's workflow, you can help employees work more efficiently.

For instance, you can create a business process flow chart to automate the supply chain management process. You can also create a chart to make sure the team has a great supplier relationship management system.

What Is a Business Process Flow Chart?

A business process flow chart is a diagram that illustrates the entire course of a business operation. It represents many business processes and tasks diagrammatically.

In addition, a business process flow chart is used to map out your process flow and simplify complicated procedures. A business process map retains the general process of operations.

It shows the workflow by using conditional logic to take into account every conceivable circumstance. Illustrated with contemporary symbols and diagrams, a flow chart offers a driven approach to understanding core operations management concepts.

Along with outlining the complete business operation, the process flowchart shows who is responsible for which duties. It also displays the schedules and materials required to complete particular activities. similar to the way flow charts for warehousing systems operate.

How to Create a Business Process Flow Chart

Creating a business process flowchart is easier than you think. Similar to Gantt charts, you can use an Excel spreadsheet or a simple drag-and-drop BPM (Business Process Management) software solution. You can also work with real-time editable flow chart templates.

Whichever option you choose, creating a flowchart begins with a clear visualization of your work processes. You can draw out your general process view paradigm with a pen and paper for a start.

Here are some key steps to begin creating a flow chart for your business with Excel:

• Create a new spreadsheet.
• Go to the Insert tab.
• Select the Drawing option.
• In the drawing sheet, the top corner provides you with the option to add shapes, arrows, texts, and colors.
• Select a flowchart symbol following the components table above.
• Edit each symbol selected to account for uniformity and consistency.
• Once it's ready, save and close.
• It will appear on the spreadsheet.
• You can edit the layout of the spreadsheet.

How Can Business Process Optimization Help Businesses?

Your business workflow will run more smoothly if your business processes are optimized. The most crucial element in helping your company stay competitive is business process automation and mapping.

For instance, a study by Anupindi shows how managers can design and manage process structure and process drivers to improve the performance of any business process.

The what, where, when, how, and why of business operations are addressed by business process diagrams. Business process flow charts also aid employees in comprehending each stage of a workflow.

New employee onboarding typically takes three to six months. However, with a flowchart, staff members may rapidly grasp their new responsibilities, making it simpler to integrate into the business's operational structure.

Here are some of the benefits of business process flow optimization and automation:

• Market adherence
• Streamlined processes
• Lower risks
• Properly used resources
• Consistency
• Assured quality
• Complete end-to-end visibility

Business Process Flow Chart Template

You can map your business process flow using a flow chart template. Without the stress of creating from scratch, a flow chart template will also make it simpler to streamline operations and optimize processes in your restaurant.

The business process that you wish to automate will determine which flow chart template you use. As you are aware, streamlining business processes improve regular business operations.

While having a template on hand is a great idea, it is crucial for it to be customizable and follow your company's workflow. This will make it simple to enter workflow processes and commercial activities specific to your online marketplace.

A process flow chart template consists entirely of symbols and shapes that are combined to represent the workflow operations in your company.

In a flow chart diagram, each shape and symbol denotes a step. For instance, a diamond shape depicts the decision-making points, while a rectangle represents a particular action or process.

What are Best Practices for Making Process Flow Diagrams?

• Use Consistent Design Elements

Consistent design elements must be used while developing your process flow diagram. For instance, the colors, forms, and lines all need to match.

• Make Clear Instructions

It's crucial to illustrate who does what and when for workflow operations that involve a large number of team members. To differentiate the roles of the various team members in this scenario, use horizontal or vertical lines to divide the process flow.

• Break Long Processes Into Multiple Flows

Lengthy business procedures and workflows can be perplexing. In your diagram, you can separate these into various continuous flows.

• Explain How to Use the Business Process Flow Chart Template

By explaining the elements of the flow chart template, team members won't have to experiment their way into understanding it. Additionally, it will make it simple to train new team members on how to use your workflow.

• Try Using an Editable Business Process Flow Chart Template

Consider using an editable process flow chart template if you don't have the time to put in the tedious work required to create a flow chart from scratch. Managing business process flows is easier if you use a flow chart template.

It is now possible to construct a process map chart that will meet your company's needs thanks to emerging restaurant technologies . You can look for and download a free flowchart template for your eCommerce business.

We created some ready-to-use and editable restaurant business process flow chart templates you can use. You can fill in your workflow using these flow chart templates that you can download in Word or Excel.

7 Free Programs to Create a Flow Chart Online

Here are some free tools to create a business process flow chart online:

• Template.net
• Microsoft Word
• Excel Spreadsheet

How to Measure Business Process Effectiveness

By establishing key performance indicators, you can measure the efficiency of business processes. The inventory KPI is one illustration. Here are some crucial business metrics you may use to determine whether or not your process flow chart is effective:

• Efficiency of the process
• Process alignment
• Continuity of the process
• Process cycle time, cost, and effectiveness
• Productivity of resources
• Process compliance

If you don't have the ideal plan in place, running a business is challenging. A flowchart streamlines the process and offers you a head start.

Your business will grow and operate more efficiently if you automate workflow operations. A business process flowchart template can help you with this.

What is a Flowchart

What do you want to do with flowcharts.

This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know about flowcharts, including definitions, history, use cases, symbols, tips, and how to use our flowchart maker to get you started.

9 minute read

Want to create a flowchart of your own? Try Lucidchart. It's fast, easy, and totally free.

More flowchart tips

• Keep your audience in mind and gear the detail in your chart to them. Clear communication is a key goal of flowcharts.
• If the process you are charting involves different teams or departments, consider using a Swimlane Diagram to clearly delineate responsibilities and handoffs.
• Use on-page or off-page connectors to “edit” your chart and make it flow logically. This can allow you to break up a chart into separate pages and still flow well.

What is a flowchart?

Flowcharts to document business processes came into use in the 1920s and ‘30s. In 1921, industrial engineers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth introduced the “Flow Process Chart” to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).  In the early 1930s, industrial engineer Allan H. Morgensen used Gilbreth’s tools to present conferences on making work more efficient to business people at his company.  In the 1940s, two Morgensen students, Art Spinanger and Ben S. Graham, spread the methods more widely. Spinanger introduced the work simplification methods to Procter and Gamble. Graham, a director at Standard Register Industrial, adapted flow process charts to information processing. In 1947, ASME adopted a symbol system for Flow Process Charts, derived from the Gilbreths’ original work.

Also in the late ‘40s, Herman Goldstine and John Van Neumann used flowcharts to develop computer programs, and diagramming soon became increasingly popular for computer programs and algorithms of all kinds. Flowcharts are still used for programming today, although pseudocode, a combination of words and coding language meant for human reading, is often used to depict deeper levels of detail and get closer to a final product.

In Japan, Kaoru Ishikawa (1915-1989), a key figure in quality initiatives in manufacturing, named flowcharts as one of the key tools of quality control, along with complementary tools such as the Histogram, Check Sheet and Cause-and-Effect Diagram, now often called the Ishikawa Diagram.

Flowchart symbols

Here are some of the common flowchart symbols. For a more comprehensive list, see our full flowchart symbols page .

Flowcharts for computer programming/algorithms

As a visual representation of data flow, flowcharts are useful in writing a program or algorithm and explaining it to others or collaborating with them on it. You can use an algorithm flowchart to spell out the logic behind a program before ever starting to code the automated process. It can help to organize big-picture thinking and provide a guide when it comes time to code. More specifically, flowcharts can:

• Demonstrate the way code is organized.
• Visualize the execution of code within a program.
• Show the structure of a website or application.
• Understand how users navigate a website or program.

Often, programmers may write pseudocode, a combination of natural language and computer language able to be read by people. This may allow greater detail than the flowchart and serve either as a replacement for the flowchart or as a next step to actual code.

Related diagrams used in computer software include:

• Unified Modeling Language (UML): This is a general-purpose language used in software engineering for modeling.
• Nassi-Shneiderman Diagrams: Used for structured computer programming. Named after Isaac Nassi and Ben Shneiderman, who developed it in 1972 at SUNY-Stony Brook. Also called Structograms.
• DRAKON charts: DRAKON is an algorithmic visual programming language used to produce flowcharts.

How flowcharts are used in numerous other fields

Beyond computer programming, flowcharts have many uses in many diverse fields.

In any field:

• Document and analyze a process.
• Standardize a process for efficiency and quality.
• Communicate a process for training or understanding by other parts of the organization.
• Identify bottlenecks, redundancies and unnecessary steps in a process and improve it.
• Plan coursework and academic requirements.
• Create a lesson plan or oral presentation.
• Organize a group or individual project.
• Show a legal or civil process, like voter registration.
• Plan and structure creative writing, like lyrics or poetry.
• Demonstrate character development for literature and film.
• Represent the flow of algorithms or logic puzzles.
• Understand a scientific process, like the Krebs cycle.
• Chart an anatomical process, such as digestion.
• Map out symptoms and treatment for diseases/disorders.
• Communicate hypotheses and theories, like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Sales and marketing:

• Plot out the flow of a survey.
• Chart a sales process.
• Plan research strategies.
• Show registration flows.
• Disseminate communication policies, like an emergency PR plan.
• Understand order and procurement processes.
• Represent an employee’s tasks or daily routine.
• Understand the paths that users take on a website or in a store.
• Develop a business plan or product realization plan.
• Document a process in preparation for an audit, including for regulatory compliance, such as under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Document a process in preparation for a sale or consolidation.

Manufacturing:

• Denote the physical or chemical makeup of a product.
• Illustrate the manufacturing process from beginning to end.
• Discover and solve inefficiencies in a manufacturing or procurement process.

Engineering:

• Represent process flows or system flows.
• Design and update chemical and plant processes.
• Assess the life cycle of a structure.
• Chart a reverse-engineering flow.
• Demonstrate the design and prototype phase of a new structure or product.

Types of flowcharts

Different authors describe various types of flowcharts in different terms. These people include published experts such as Alan B. Sterneckert, Andrew Veronis, Marilyn Bohl and Mark A. Fryman.

Sterneckert, in his 2003 book Critical Incident Management , listed four popular flowchart types, framed around the concept of flow controls rather than the flow itself:

Document Flowcharts:

Data flowcharts:, system flowcharts:, program flowcharts:.

Veronis , in his 1978 book Microprocessors: Design and Applications , outlined three flowchart types based on scope and level of detail:

System Flowchart:

General flowchart:, detailed flowchart:.

Bohl, in her 1978 book A Guide for Programmers, listed only two:

System Flowchart.

Program flowchart..

But Fryman, in his 2001 book Quality and Process Improvement , differentiated the types in multiple ways from more of a business perspective than a computer perspective:

Decision Flowchart.

Logic flowchart., systems flowchart., product flowchart., process flowchart..

Additional flowchart types defined by others include:

Swimlane Diagram, a.k.a Swimlane Flowchart:

Workflow flowchart:, event-driven process chain (epc) flowchart:, specification and description language (sdl) flowchart:.

These related diagrams are also sometimes thought of as types of flowcharts:

Data Flow Diagram (DFD):

Process flow diagram (pfd), a.k.a. process flowchart:, business process model and notation (bpmn 2.0):, how to plan and draw a basic flowchart, define your purpose and scope., identify the tasks in chronological order., organize them by type and corresponding shape,, draw your chart,, confirm your flowchart,, helpful resources.

• How to Make a Flowchart in Excel
• What is a flowchart and how to create one
• Flowchart Symbols and Notation
• How to Make a Flowchart
• How to Make a Flowchart in PowerPoint
• How to Make a Flowchart in Word

Creating flowcharts in Lucidchart is simple and intuitive. Simply drag shapes onto the canvas and draw lines to connect them. If you're not sure where to begin, check out our tutorial for tips on how to draw a flowchart .

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How to Create a Business Process Diagram (With Examples)

In a perfect world, every business process would be documented. Employees would have everything they need to do their jobs and would know exactly how to carry out each step.

But this isn’t always the case — 60% of employees find it difficult to get the information they need for their work. This suggests that companies aren’t doing enough to document their processes, which can lead to inconsistent results.

So how can you improve your processes? And how can you ensure that employees have the information they need to do their jobs well?

Using a business process diagram is a good place to start.

In this article, we’ll cover what a business process diagram is, how it can help your company, and how to create one. We’ll also look at using business process automation software to document and automate your processes.

Click the links below to jump straight to the section you want to learn more about :

• What Is a Business Process Diagram? 
• How Does a Business Process Diagram Help Your Business? 

5 Essential Parts of a Business Process Diagram

7 steps to create a business process diagram, what is a business process diagram.

A business process diagram is a visual representation of a process that your company carries out to achieve a goal. It uses standardized symbols to describe each step of the process.

You can use a business process diagram to depict anything from onboarding new hires to developing and launching a new product.

Typically, a business process diagram will look like a flowchart. It could be a basic flowchart, or it could be a more complex cross-functional flowchart that spans multiple departments.

Here’s an example of a business process diagram for purchase orders:

Creating a business process diagram is the first step to improving operational efficiency. It can help you understand how a process works, allowing you to identify inefficiencies that may not have been obvious before.

When you share your process diagram with colleagues, higher-ups, and stakeholders, you can get feedback on how to adjust and optimize the process. 

If you think your business processes are as efficient as possible, think again: 68% of organizations saw key processes break down in the rapid shift to remote work in 2020. 

Using a business process diagram increases productivity, minimizes errors, and facilitates digital transformation when you combine it with workflow automation software.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of business process diagrams.

How Does a Business Process Diagram Help Your Business?

Business process diagrams contain plenty of valuable information for your business. They show you how your processes actually work, not just how you think they should work.

That’s incredibly useful. 

When you use that information to identify roadblocks and optimize your workflows, your entire business benefits. Here’s how a business process diagram benefits your company.

Increases Efficiency and Productivity

44% of organizations measured the return on investment (ROI) of their business processes through how much time employees saved. The results? 66% of departments that prioritize automation say they reduced time spent on manual tasks by 11–30%. 

Reduces Business Costs

A business process diagram breaks down each step of a process, which can help you identify automation opportunities and lower operating costs. 46% of departments that prioritize process automation say they’ve reduced costs by 11–30%. 

Increases Transparency

With a clear process diagram, every team member can see what they need to do. Business process models extend this idea, helping everyone see how they’re part of the larger picture.

Creates a Record of Institutional Knowledge

When employees leave the organization, they take a lot of knowledge with them. If that information isn’t documented, it’s likely gone forever. Creating a business process diagram and keeping it updated helps preserve company knowledge.

Reduces Errors and Redundancies

When everyone knows their role in a business process, you’ll get fewer mistakes and fewer instances of people doing the same work twice. 

Prefer to see and hear it rather than read about it? Let us show you how easy it is.

Improves the Employee and Customer Experience

Employees and customers appreciate when processes move quickly, whether that’s returning an item or getting all your new hire documents signed. 

With business process diagrams, you can speed up your processes while also keeping them accurate, leading to better employee and customer experiences.

While any part of a business can benefit from process mapping and automation, some departments will get a higher ROI than others.

The following departments see the highest ROI from process automation, according to a Salesforce study:

• Operations: 47%
• Customer service: 37%

Before you can start creating a business process diagram, you need to understand how it’s structured.

A key goal of business process mapping is to connect different sources and types of information. 

The average business process has five components. Think through where to look or who you’ll collaborate with to find the following pieces of information:

• Goal or outcome: What is the end result of the business process? Define Points A and B, so you can fill in the blanks later in the process. 
• Steps of the existing process: What are the main steps of the process? Communicate with your team about the steps they follow or perform the process in its entirety yourself. If any step includes a subprocess, note that here, too. 
• People or departments involved: What skills or resources are needed to complete this process? Do specific people or departments need to be involved? Keep in mind that different steps may require different people. For example, contracts may need to go through multiple rounds of approval before they’re processed.
• Rules or conditions for moving from step to step: Does the process change depending on who is involved, such as a new or important client, or other factors like budget and time limits? 
• Software, tools, or devices: What resources do you need to complete the process? This could include anything from a customer support platform that logs customer complaints to BPM tools that track vacation requests. Make sure everyone who needs access to these tools has it. 

You’ll also need to consider how you’ll create, share, and manage the business process diagram. Using a BPM tool with plenty of customization options like frevvo, you’ll be able to create workflow diagrams that meet your needs. 

Now, let’s go step by step through creating a business diagram. 

This exercise is sometimes called business process mapping . The goal is to create a business process flow diagram , often known as a flow chart. 

By the end of these steps, you’ll have more than a process flowchart — you’ll have a fully automated business workflow. 

1. Outline Your Business Process 

When you begin your business process map, start by writing out the steps of the process as you understand them. You can do this on scrap paper, a whiteboard, or a mind map tool.

Consider all the components listed in the previous section, as well as anything that might be unique to your organization. If you have a project management tool or other records, use those to track the current state of your business process.

2. Gather Necessary Information

Make a list of any gaps in your initial outline of the business process flowchart. Then, figure out where to find that information. 

You’ll also need to do some of your own brainstorming. If there are any obvious breakdowns in the business process, how can you fix them? Who can you recruit to help find a solution? 

This is also a good time to think about who will fill each role in your business process. Some steps may be tied to certain positions, like managers or vice presidents, but you may need to designate someone to carry out certain aspects of your process. 

3. Have Colleagues Offer Feedback 

Before you move forward with your business process diagram, get insight from other people who use this process. They may have information or ideas that you can’t see from your position. 

Ideally, you’ll get feedback from someone who is involved at each stage of the business process. This will help you build out the organizational context of your business process, which helps you best optimize it. 

Next, refine your rough draft of the process map according to the feedback you received.

4. Build Your Business Process With a BPM Tool

The best way to visualize a process is to use a business process management tool.

A BPM tool like frevvo can help you create flowchart diagrams using standardized notions that’s easy enough for your whole team to understand. You can also use the code-free workflow builder to create and automate your diagram to speed things up.

5. Assign Roles

At each step of your business process flowchart , designate specific people or types of users who are responsible for the tasks there. 

For instance, if you’re creating a purchase order approval workflow , you may need to assign approvers at the manager level and in the finance department.

When you create a new workflow in frevvo, you can assign approval steps to individual users based on their roles.

By integrating data sources with frevvo, you can autofill information like managers and chains of approval. This will make it easier to have a business process that adapts to your workflow.

6. Set Rules and Conditions 

The next step is to set up the rules and conditions that govern your automations. While this might sound intimidating, frevvo has wizards to walk you through setting up the controls and rules you need. 

Your rules and conditions help your process run as smoothly as possible. When set up correctly, everything seamlessly moves between people, devices, and tools, so the process doesn’t get stuck.

For example, let’s say that invoice approvals are painfully slow. Employees have to constantly chase down their managers for signatures, which makes the process take even longer.

In frevvo, you can create an invoice approval workflow that automatically routes forms to the right approver to sign. You can also add dynamic routing into your workflow (e.g., route an invoice to a senior executive for additional approval above a certain value).

Here’s an example of how this looks:

Approved invoices route directly to the finance department to issue payment.

By outlining what should happen in the case of almost any outcome, you can keep errors to a minimum. There’s always a clear plan of what should happen, so nothing falls through the cracks. 

7. Launch and Test Your Business Process

Before you launch your automated business process, test out your process automation with your team. You may need to make a few small changes so that it runs correctly. 

If needed, train your employees on how the process works or how to use your BPM tool. Since transparency is a key benefit of business process mapping, it’s essential that your team has what they need. 

Remember that BPM isn’t a one-time activity. You’ll always be monitoring, optimizing, and improving your business processes. With frevvo, you can easily make changes whenever you need to. 

Create Your Business Process Diagram Now

A business process diagram helps you visualize your workflows so you can optimize them. 

As you create your business process diagrams, be sure to get insight from everyone on your team. You’ll also want to make sure everyone understands their role in the business process. 

Then, convert your diagram into an automated business process using frevvo, which you can try for 30 days here .

Related posts:

• 12 Crucial Features Your Workflow System Needs
• Business Process Management: The Complete Guide
• The 6 Step Guide to Performing Business Process Analysis

Author: frevvoblog

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Ultimate Flowchart Tutorial | Learn What is flowchart and How to create a flowchart

So you want to learn flowcharts? Well, This flowchart tutorial will teach you all you need to know. It will cover the history of flowcharts, flowchart symbols, how to create flowcharts, flowchart best practices and we’ve also included a section to answer frequent questions about flowcharts. Best of all you can use our flowchart software.

Creately already has some really awesome articles and videos covering various things related to flowcharts like meanings of flowchart symbols, how to use swimlanes in flowcharts, flowchart best practices, case studies, and much more.

Flowchart Tutorial

This blog post will simply gather all that information and present it in a logical way. I’ve added links to different sections to make it easier to navigate. Click on the relevant link to quickly read the relevant section.

History of Flowcharts

• Flowchart Symbols Meaning

How to Draw a Flowchart

Flowchart templates and examples, flowchart best practices, common mistakes made when drawing flowcharts.

• Flowchart Case Studies
• Feedback on the flowcharting Guide

Frank Gilberth introduced flowcharts in 1921, and they were called “Process Flow Charts” at the beginning. Allan H. Mogensen is credited with training business people on how to use flowcharts. Wikipedia has a great summary of the history of flowcharts, read more in this wiki section .

What is a Flowchart

Flowcharts are visual representations of processes and systems, showing the various steps, decision points, and paths through a process. In a wide range of fields, including software development, engineering, business, and education, it is used to help understand, analyze, and optimize processes. A well-designed flowchart should be easy to read and follow a logical sequence of steps.

Flowchart Symbols

Flowchart symbols are graphical representations of various components of a process or system. Each symbol is used to denote a particular action, decision, or result in the process being represented. Each symbol also has a specific meaning.

So what are the different symbols used in a flowchart?. Most people are only aware of basic symbols like processes and decision blocks. But there are many more symbols to make your flowchart more meaningful. The above image shows all the standard flowchart symbols.

The most common symbol used in a flowchart is the rectangle. A rectangle represents a process, operation, or a task. The next most common symbol is the diamond which is used to represent a decision.

With this following list, you can figure out the most commonly used flowchart symbols as well as those that are little-known. All these shapes are available in Creately and you can try out a demo or take a look at some flowchart examples for more context.

Terminal / Terminator

The terminator shows where your process begins or ends. You can use words like ‘Start’, ‘Begin’, ‘End’ inside the terminator shape to make things more obvious.

Process / Rectangle

Flowchart process shape is used to represent a process, action step, or operation. While these are pictured with rectangles, the text in the rectangle mostly includes a verb. For example, ‘Edit Video’, ‘Try Again’, ‘Choose Your Plan’.n’.

The Data object, often referred to as the I/O Shape shows the Inputs to and Outputs from a process. This takes the shape of a parallelogram.

Decision / Conditional

The decision shape is represented as a Diamond. This object is always used in a process flow to ask a question. And, the answer to the question determines the arrows coming out of the Diamond. This shape is quite unique with two arrows coming out of it. One from the bottom point corresponding to Yes or True and one from either the right/left point corresponding to No or False. The arrows should always be labeled to avoid confusion in the process flow.

The document object is a rectangle with a wave-like base. This shape is used to represent a Document or Report in a process flow.

Stored Data

This is a general data storage object used in the process flow as opposed to data that could be also stored on a hard drive, magnetic tape, memory card, of any other storage device.

Direct Data

Direct Data object in a process flow represents information stored which can be accessed directly. This object represents a computer’s hard drive.

Internal Storage

This is a shape that is commonly found in programming flowcharts to illustrate the information stored in memory, as opposed to on a file. This shape is often referred to as the magnetic core memory of early computers, or the random access memory (RAM) as we call it today.

Sequential Access

This object takes the shape of a reel of tape. It represents information stored in a sequence, such as data on a magnetic tape.

Manual Input

This object is represented by a rectangle with the top sloping up from left to right. The Manual Input object signifies an action where the user is prompted for information that must be manually input into a system.

Subroutine / Predefined Process

This shape takes two names – ‘Subroutine’ or ‘Predefined Process’. Its called a subroutine if you use this object in flowcharting a software program. This allows you to write one subroutine and call it as often as you like from anywhere in the code.

The same object is also called a Predefined Process. This means the flowchart for the predefined process has to be already drawn, and you should reference the flowchart for more information.

Although these are the standard symbols available in most flowchart software, some people do use different shapes for different meanings. The most common example of this is using circles to denote start and end. The examples in this flowchart tutorial will stick with the standard symbols.

How do you draw a flowchart? Well, our flowcharting tool is a good place to start. But before directly using the tool, let’s take a look at some basics.

There are four main types of flowcharts. Document flowchart, System flowchart, data flowchart, and program flowchart. Not everyone agrees with this categorization, but the core principles of drawing a flowchart remain the same. You need to consider a few things when drawing a flowchart, Check out 6 useful tips on drawing flowcharts before you start.

If you are drawing a flowchart with many responsible parties you can group them together using swimlanes. Swimlanes are a powerful technique to increase the readability of your flowchart so you should use them according to the situation. Read how to use cross-functional flowchart for planning to learn more about the process.

The below video shows how to draw a flowchart using Creately. It is very simple to use and one-click create and connect helps you draw them faster as well. You can drag and drop symbols from the library or drag images to your diagram by doing an image search.

Here are the Steps to Draw a Flowchart

1. explain the procedure.

Determine the function and boundaries of the system or process you wish to depict in the flowchart. The process’s inputs, outputs, and actions should be identified.

2. Choose the shapes and symbols

To represent the many process components—such as the start and end points, inputs, outputs, actions, decisions, and loops—choose the right symbols and shapes. Rectangles, diamonds, circles, and arrows are the most often utilized shapes in flowcharts. To access all shapes, enable Creately’s flowchart shapes library.

3. Organize the flow

Determine the order of the steps in the process and the different paths that can be taken. This will help you organize the flow of the flowchart. Use Creately’s Plus Create to add the next shape and the connector in a single click.

4. Review and revise

Check that the flowchart accurately depicts the procedure and is simple to read and understand. If required, revise it to make it more precise and understandable. Share feedback using Creately’s contextual comments.

5. Share the flowchart

Distribute the flowchart to coworkers, stakeholders, or clients who will need to use it or refer to it easily with a workspace link

Although you can start drawing flowcharts by scratch it is much easier to use templates. They help you reduce errors and remind you about the best practices to follow. If you want to use a ready-made template, go to the flowchart examples section and click on the flowchart that best suits you. Click on the use at template after the image and you are ready to draw your flowchart.

Below are two templates out of hundreds of flowchart templates available to the user. Click on any of them to start drawing flowcharts immediately.

There are a few things you can do to make your flowchart universally accepted. And there are some things that you can do to make it visually pleasing to others as well.

If you’re planning to share your flowchart or hoping to use it on a presentation etc. then it’s wise to use standard symbols. However, it is important to remember that the idea is to give out information in an easy-to-understand manner. It is perfectly acceptable to use an alternative image instead of the document symbol as long as the audience understands it.

Keeping the arrow flow to one side, using the same size symbols, naming the decision blocks, processes, arrows, etc. are a few things you can do to make it better. The common mistakes section covers most of these practices in detail.

Map out any process, workflows, or system with ease. Dedicated shape library, drag and drop interface, and powerful diagramming for super-fast drawing.

This section highlights the common mistakes made when drawing flowcharts. Some of the things mentioned here are to make it better looking and more understandable, not having them in your flowchart won’t make it wrong. Since there are two posts covering these mistakes in-depth I will link to them from this flowchart tutorial.

Effective Use of Flowcharts – Case Studies

A flowchart tutorial isn’t complete without some case studies. Below are three case studies and real-life examples of how flowcharts can help you make decisions.

• Ten Flowchart Ideas for Your Business – How flowcharts can be used in making business decisions and optimizing the current business processes
• Analyzing Sales Funnel with Flowcharts – How to analyze the Google analytic sales funnel using a flowchart.
• Flutterscape Case Study – How one of our customers used flowcharts to enhance their processes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowchart

The comments section of this article is full of questions. Please note that I will not draw flowcharts for specific scenarios. Below I have answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q 01 : What is a subprocess in a flowchart?

Answer: Sometimes complex processes are broken down into smaller sub-processes for clarity. So a flowchart can point to a different sub-process within its flow. The predefined process symbol is used to show such subprocesses.

Q 02 : How are flowcharts used in computer programming?

Answer: A computer program consists of many processes and flows. Flowcharts are used to visualize the processes and make them understandable for non-technical people. They are also used to visualize algorithms and comprehend pseudo-code which is used in programming.

Comments and Feedback on the Flowchart Tutorial

I hope this flowchart tutorial will help you to come up with awesome flowcharts. Flowcharts are a great way to present complex processes in a simple-to-understand manner and they are used all over the world in many industries. If you have a question about drawing flowcharts or have any suggestions to improve this post, feel free to mention in the comments section.

More Diagram Tutorials

• Sequence Diagram Tutorial: Complete Guide with Examples
• Business Process Modeling Tutorial (BPM Guide Explaining Features)
• Use Case Diagram Tutorial (Guide with Examples)

Join over thousands of organizations that use Creately to brainstorm, plan, analyze, and execute their projects successfully.

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Software engineer turned tech evangelist. I handle marketing stuff here at Creately including writing blog posts and handling social media accounts. In my spare time, I love to read and travel.

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Top 5 Business Plan Chart Example Templates with Samples

Kavesh Malhotra

Tim Fargo once said,  " Good intentions might sound nice, but it’s positive actions that matter. "  

This quote highlights the importance of not only creating a business plan but also executing it effectively. This is where business plan charts come in; they provide a roadmap for businesses to follow which ensures that they stay on track in achieving their goals.

There is no doubt that business planning is an essential element of any successful venture, and a well-executed plan can make a significant difference to business success. As mentioned above, one of the most critical components of a business plan is the use of charts to display information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. 

SlideTeam is delighted to present its selection of the Top 5 Business Plan Chart Templates with Samples . These templates are designed to assist owners, managers, and other professionals involved in business management to create a comprehensive and effective business plan that fulfills the needs of end-users and stakeholders alike.

Utilizing these top 5 business plan chart templates can help companies in prioritizing tasks, creating a clear and concise communication plan , focusing on their strategy and critical goals, tracking their progress toward achieving their revenue targets, and expanding into new markets. 

Unlock your true potential as a business manager with our pre-designed PowerPoint Slides. These templates are the ultimate solution to all your business needs, providing you with the power to customize your tasks and plans in ways you never thought possible. With our structured content-ready slides, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips to streamline your workflow and optimize your productivity. 

We're here to have a closer look at each of our business plan ppt templates and help you choose the one that suits your specific business requirements. So, what are you waiting for? Download one of these templates today and become a master in designing a breakthrough plan!

Check Out our Top 5 Business Plan Chart Templates

Template 1: initial six-month business plan gantt chart.

This PowerPoint Slide presents a comprehensive roadmap for developing a successful business plan. It covers critical areas such as strategy, finance, personnel, customers, and finances. This PPT Template allows you to create a clear project plan by outlining important details like project start and end dates, status updates, and assigned teams. This chart facilitates effective collaboration among team members, enables you to share your product plans, and provides a platform for discussing project progress with executives. Additionally, the task management chart helps align your activities efficiently, while the template's versatility allows for high-level resource planning and flexible implementation, benefiting your business. Seize the opportunity to elevate your business plan with this top-rated template.

Download Now!

Template 2: Strategic Business Plan Flow Chart with Key Goals

This chart is an essential tool for an organization's strategic business planning. Its comprehensive set of slides covers key areas such as marketing strategy, SWOT analysis , and other vital tools that can help businesses identify their target customers and develop a successful business strategy . With this chart, companies can create a clear and concise communication plan that outlines their process and how it aligns with their target customers and market evaluation . Download this set of slides and take your business to the next level.

Template 3: Marketing Gantt Chart for Business Plan

This chart is ideal for businesses focusing on their digital marketing strategy and revenue sources . With this chart, companies can create a timeline for their marketing initiatives, such as advertising campaigns and social media promotions, and track their progress in achieving the revenue targets. This PowerPoint Template is a valuable tool for digital managers and social media team members for monitoring project progress and highlighting key milestones. It features a Gantt chart design that effectively showcases different social channels, timelines, and progress percentages. This template is a must-have for anyone looking to stay organized and efficiently manage their social marketing projects.

Template 4: New Business Development Planning Chart with Market Evaluation

This PPT Chart is perfect for enterprises looking to expand into fresh markets or launch new products or services. With this PPT Layout, businesses can conduct a SWOT analysis to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and create a clear plan for entering new markets. It also clearly defines the New Business snapshot , Market evaluation , Expense Sources, and expected Revenue Sources . Download now and unleash the full potential of your new business development efforts.

Template 5: Business Plan Chart for Data Flat PowerPoint Design

This chart is perfect for businesses wanting to create a snapshot that provides a quick overview of their business plan. With this chart, businesses can display key information such as their target customers, revenue sources , and market evaluation in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Download these templates via the link below, and start executing your business plan with confidence.

Bottom Line

Business plan charts are crucial for any business owner or manager looking to create a roadmap for success. Whether you're looking to visualize your business strategy, set key goals , conduct a SWOT analysis , plan a task timeline , develop strategies, or communicate plans to team members and stakeholders, we have a business plan chart template that can help you achieve your goals. By incorporating these templates into business planning, professionals can easily create visual representations of their plans, track progress, and make informed decisions based on their business snapshot , market evaluation , and revenue sources .

Professional Note:

Please visit here for more information on strategic business plan templates, business approaches, and other related topics. These templates incorporate many resources, including samples, descriptions, and USPs (unique selling points), to help professionals develop effective business plans and management strategies.

FAQs on Business Plan Chart

How do i make a business plan chart.

Making a business plan chart involves several steps that can be streamlined using pre-designed PowerPoint templates. Start by identifying the purpose of your business plan and defining key goals and objectives. Then, create a task timeline and identify the resources needed to achieve those goals. This can be done using a Gantt or flow chart, which helps you visualize your plan and track progress.

What Are The Four Types of Business Plans?

There are four types of business plans: strategic plans, operational plans, internal plans, and growth plans. 

Each plan serves a different purpose, such as outlining the company's business strategy , setting key goals , or evaluating market opportunities. A business plan often includes a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Why is a Business Plan Important?

A business plan is vital because it is a roadmap for the company's success. It outlines the company's key goals , strategies, and revenue sources and helps in identifying potential challenges and risks. A business plan also serves as a communication plan , allowing stakeholders to understand the company's vision and goals.

What Are the Elements of Business Plan?

The key elements of a business plan include:

• Business snapshot- It outlines the company's mission and values. 
• Market evaluation - It analyzes the target customers and competitors.
• Revenue sources - It identifies the company’s sources of income. 
• Marketing Gantt - It outlines the company's marketing strategy and task timeline.  

Other essential elements include financial, operational, and risk management plans. 

Related posts:

• Top 10 Business Development Strategy Templates with Samples and Examples
• Top 5 Business Plan Timeline Template with Samples and Examples
• Top 7 Corporate Strategy Templates with Samples and Examples
• Must-Have Freelance Business Plan Template to Achieve Long Term Success

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What is Business Flow Chart And How to Create it

Every successful business back with proper planning done by the professionals. A business flowchart is the first step in the business process. More than half of the business planning is done by business flowchart. It's not difficult to understand the business plan flowchart. Anyone with a business mind can easily understand the workflow of the flowchart.

In this article, we're going to cover all about what exactly is a business flowchart, and which methodologies are used during the development of a business flowchart. Another thing we'll see in last, an online tool to make business process flowchart without any hassle.

So be with us at the end of this article to understand the business flowchart completely.

• Part 1: What is Business Flowchart?
• Part 2: How to Create a Business Flowchart?
• Part 3: Create a Business Flowchart Online

What is Business Flowchart?

Business flowchart visualizes all the steps that make the business process, and also determine who is responsible for all actions/steps. It's beneficial for analyzing the current workflow, improvements, and communications between the partakers.

In other words, a task that a business needs to carry out to accomplish some sort of business aims by repeating the task again and again.

Suppose you're mapping a business model and you need the steps to complete the business process by hiring employees or ordering or shipping a product. This procedure is also called a Business process flowchart or business flowchart.

It's not necessary to create a business flowchart for only a new business process model; you can create a model/document of an existing business model. The sole purpose of visualizing the flowchart is to gain more information and understanding of the process, inputs, outputs, people to make them more effective and improve the results.

Like any other flowcharts, a business process diagram also uses symbols like ovals, rectangles, diamonds, and arrows to determine the activities inside a business process flowchart.

How to Create A Business Flowchart?

As you already know about the business flowchart and its actual purpose. Now, it's to time to understand how to create a business process flowchart with the help of an example.

Example source: uplandsoftware.com

The above example of a business process flowchart is based on content marketing. We've three simple steps to draw a simple flowchart.

To be honest, everyone can draw flowcharts. But making it accurate according to the requirements isn't that simple. If it's that simple why you'd you be here? Before taking part in a business process development model or creating a business flowchart, you must use the right methodologies and tools to make a flowchart.

Without knowing the steps and methodologies, it's impossible to make a business model or flowchart. Well, it's another thing.

So, move to draw the business process flowchart, you must follow these simple three steps:

As we discussed above, before you start learning about the flowcharts, you should make sure that the flowchart methodology is right for your work.

If your goal is to process analysis, you might need some other tools. You can't do the process analysis from a top-level perspective.

The purpose of the business process flowchart is step by step detailing of the process. They are useless for deep understanding.

Gather the right information for your business process. Suppose, if you are working on a business website then you have to collect the data from the user perspective, not the one who is operating. Create polls on social media to get feedback directly from the users. Try to gain every possible information from the user. The information about the user will be beneficial for you to decide to create a business flowchart.

Everything you got, the information, and the need for the flowchart (right tool). Now, it's time to map all your information graphically in the form of a flowchart before creating a business process flowchart put the exact information inside the right symbol.

If you only want to keep everything simple and straight forward to the viewers, you can use the basic process symbols such as the oval, rectangle, diamond, and arrow. There are other many symbols available for larger or complex structures, but you can use basic shapes for a simple flowchart.

Create a Flowchart Online

Many online tools available to create business flowcharts but here we're going to discuss Wondershare Mockitt . We've tried so many tools for designing purposes, but we liked Mockitt mostly. The reason for using Mockitt is its outstanding and endless features.

Try it Free

Wondershare Mockitt is just like any other prototyping tool or software that helps you to create beautiful designs and mockups not only that you can make business process flowchart on it. It's a fast, easy, and effective way to create flowcharts with the online tool.

Features of Wondershare Mockitt

Although Mockitt has many unlimited features, we haven't yet explored all of them. But we've tried some features which are as below:

1.Widgets and Icons

Wondershare Mockitt provides unique widgets and icons to enhance and bring charm to your design. These icons and widgets can also be helpful to make business flowchart quickly.

2.Collaboration

Real-time collaboration has made communication among team members has made it accessible to everyone. Now, you can design and communicate with your team members at the same time. Isn't that amazing?

All of your information and data will store on Wondershare Mockitt secured servers. Wondershare Mockitt has zero-tolerance with its security policies.

Related Articles

A beginner's guide to creating data flow diagrams (dfd), 3 different types of flowcharts for your work, blank flow chart to improve your work efficiency, top 10 flowchart templates to use for word/excel/powerpoint.

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How to Make a Production Flow Chart for Manufacturing Processes (Example Included)

Manufacturing requires an understanding of production, its phases and when you need to assemble the product you’re building. Mapping this out with a production flow chart ensures a more seamless process.

What is a production flow chart? We’ll get to that shortly. We’ll also show you how one works and even provide you with an example to see a production flow chart in action.

What Is a Production Flow Chart?

A production flow chart is used to illustrate the manufacturing process of a product. It shows the stages, equipment used and quality control checks where you’ll check the product to ensure it meets quality expectations. If the quality is lacking or there has been any damage en route, these errors will be corrected before returning to production.

Through this mapping process, manufacturers are able to build a more efficient ordering process for their production line. The product flow chart is a visual representation of that process and can be easily shared. Because of the nature of its simple design, it’s also easy to read and understand at a glance.

A production flow chart sets up the sequence of the production of a product. It records all events using symbols to represent different stages or equipment and helps production managers improve manufacturing speed and quality. Production flow charts are easy to create by hand or with software tools.

ProjectManager is online software that turns production flow charts into workable manufacturing plans. Set up the flow chart on our kanban board, which breaks up your production cycle into columns such as to do, doing and done. These columns are customizable to conform to every step of production. Cards are tasks that move from one column to another as they’re processed. Managers get transparency into the process and can reallocate resources as needed to keep the production flowing smoothly. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

How Does a Production Flow Chart Work?

The production flow chart works as a visual tool. It’s a picture that illustrates each step of a process in sequential order and it’s used for defining or analyzing new processes, standardizing or redesigning existing processes and finding ways to improve processes by removing unnecessary steps, bottlenecks, etc.

A flow chart is illustrated with symbols and each has the following meaning:

• An oval means the start or finish of the process
• An arrow represents the direction of the process from one step to another
• A rectangle represents a process
• A diamond is a decision on an activity
• A D-shape means delay or wait
• A rectangle that curves up on the bottom right side represents that supportive documents are required
• A rounded-edged rectangle is sometimes used as the start or finish of a process.

There are two common types of production flow charts, high-level and detailed. The former works as a macro view of production planning usually only featuring six to 10 phases or steps and focusing on the major blocks in a process. It’s used mostly to identify improvements.

The detailed flow chart as its name suggests goes into greater detail or a micro view of the activities in your master production schedule . These flow charts are at least 15 phases or steps long and often much more than that. They’re good for finding steps that can be weeded out of the process and are mostly used when standardizing or modifying an existing process.

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• Production Schedule Template

Use this free Production Schedule Template for Excel to manage your projects better.

Production Flow Chart Example

To better understand a production flow chart, let’s look at an example and illustrate what that process looks like in a production flow chart for a typical manufacturing cycle . It starts with customer demand which leads to figuring out the design required. From there, the product is designed to meet those requirements.

Now you have to buy materials to build the project . When those materials are received, you first have to inspect them to make sure they’re useable. If they are, you’ll want to document the inspection results so you can then manufacture the product. If not, you have to return them to the vendor from which they were purchased and wait for a replacement shipment. When it arrives, return to the verification activity and follow through until it passes.

Once you have the product built, verify it meets the product requirements and the inspection results. If it doesn’t pass inspection, it has to be fixed and inspected again until it passes. If it does pass, then you have to package and ship the product. Finally, the last step is to have service support if necessary. That’s a simple production flow chart, which is illustrated below. As you can see, the product flow chart makes it quickly digestible and easy to follow, which is the point of having a production flow chart.

How to Make a Production Flow Chart

You know why a production flow chart is important and you’ve seen how it works in our example of a production flow chart. Now, let’s take a look at how you make a production flow chart.

1. Identify Tasks

First, you have to know all the tasks in the production process , everything from start to finish. You must be thorough or you’ll have to start again. Take time with this first step and include your production team to help you outline the steps.

2. Add Details to the Tasks

Once you have the tasks listed, you need to attach the team members who are responsible for those tasks. You’ll also need to identify any variables and events that might deviate the process.

3. Check Your Work

It’s critical that you get these first steps right. Once you’ve completed them, it’s important that the key stakeholders review your outline. They’ll help you make sure that what you collected is accurate. If it’s not, you’ll need to revise these first two steps.

4. Make Your Flow Chart

Once you’ve gotten the okay from your stakeholders, you can begin to draw your production flow chart. Use the symbols listed above to map out the production flow chart by hand or use online software or project management software .

Once you’ve mapped out the tasks that are required to manufacture a product and you’re ready for production, you’ll need a production schedule. This free production schedule template for Excel helps you keep track of the status of production orders, starting and ending production inventories and important due dates.

When to Use a Production Flow Chart

There are many applications for using a production flow chart. It’s designed to help you understand the manufacturing process , which leads to seeing where and how you can improve those processes.

Not only will a production flow chart help you to better understand your manufacturing process and improve it, but it’s a great communication tool. The visual aspect of the production flow chart makes it easy to show everyone on the team how the process is being executed. This helps everyone know what they need to do.

Production flow charts are a great way to document a process, but they’re also valuable when you’re planning a project . They can help you discern the best processes to get your product to market fast while keeping to your quality expectations.

Advantages of Using a Production Flow Chart

A production flow chart is great for communicating process improvements and sharing them with both your team and management in a clear and easy-to-understand presentation. They can turn a complicated process into a clear visual asset.

The production flow chart also helps with analyzing issues in your manufacturing process. It can help you pinpoint where you reduce costs and save time. You can look at each step in your process and identify areas that are wasteful. By eliminating them you can increase your productivity.

Also, production flow charts are good for project documentation . They capture processes in a way that everyone can understand and can be shared across departments. This helps bring everyone together when it comes to cleaning up wasteful processes. It also explains why the process is the way it is, which is helpful to keep everyone on the same page.

Disadvantages of Using a Production Flow Chart

A production flow chart is without its problems. For example, if you have to change the production flow chart, you’ll have to redraw it. Any small change to one of the steps requires a full rewrite of the document, which is time-consuming and frustrating.

Also, if you’re dealing with a complex process, the production flow chart could end up cluttered and difficult to understand. If the production flow chart can’t be read easily, its production planning benefits are lost. When making one, think about steps that can be combined or simplified.

You’ve probably already noticed that the symbols on a production flow chart aren’t on your keyboard; you have to either draw them by hand or use software that allows you to create those symbols. That means it can be difficult to make a production flow chart and share it.

ProjectManager and Production Planning

If you use project management software, then you can take the lessons of a production flow chart and add them to your planning. ProjectManager is software that helps you plan, manage and track your production. You can easily share plans and when changes are required, they can be simply added and everyone’s plan is updated at the same time.

Plan on Robust Gantt Charts

A production flow chart is going to be of great assistance when planning your manufacturing production cycle. You can easily turn that flow chart into a Gantt chart , which organizes all your steps, links dependencies to avoid bottlenecks and filters for the critical path. You can also add milestones such as when you need documentation. Once you set the baseline, you can track your planned progress against your actual progress in real time to help you stay on schedule.

Track Progress With Real-Time Dashboards

When you set the baseline on the Gantt chart, you can toggle over to the live dashboard , which collects real-time data and displays it on easy-to-read graphs and charts. The real-time dashboard gives you a high-level view of production, from costs to workload and more. There’s no setup required, it’s ready when you are.

When you want to get more information, use our customizable reporting features . You can filter each report to show only what you want to see. Quickly generate reports on status, timesheets and much more. Reports can also be used to keep your stakeholders and management updated.

Related Content

ProjectManager is software that helps you manufacture more efficiently. It’s also an online hub for all things project management. We publish new blogs weekly and have informative guides and tutorial videos as well as free templates. Here are just a few links to some of that content.

• How to Create a Master Production Schedule (MPS)
• Production Planning in Manufacturing: Best Practices for Production Plans

ProjectManager is award-winning software that helps you plan production more efficiently. Our tool lets plan your production cycle and manage it while keeping track of its progress and performance in real time. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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Create flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, and more with Microsoft Visio, now under $25

Crunching numbers is one thing, but when your data is more complex, you need more than just charts and graphs to visualize solutions. That’s where a tool like  Microsoft Visio Professional 2021  comes in. Fortunately, this leading diagramming tool is on sale for only $24.97 (reg. $249) through April 2.

Microsoft Visio (4.9-star rated by verified buyers!) can help you simplify technical, complex data sets with a series of  premade templates, starter diagrams, stencils, and more than 250,000 shapes to help visualize information . Whether you need to make a flowchart, org chart, floor plan, or something else, Visio makes it easy to create intuitive visuals.

Business leaders and managers can also problem-solve with Visio’s brainstorming visualization. You can produce helpful solutions by creating fishbone diagrams, SWOT analyses, and more.

You can also automatically generate charts from sources like Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID. Visio even allows users with touch-enabled devices to draw diagrams with their fingers or styluses.

Streamline your diagramming needs with  lifetime access to Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for Windows , now just $24.97 through April 2 at 11:59 PM Pacific. No coupon required!

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How to Use Cross-Functional Flowcharts in Business Planning

By Joan Ang , Aug 03, 2023

A cross-functional flowchart shows how workflows extend from one department to another, which can help in effective process mapping.

Cross-functional flowcharts contain a high level of detail that can help organize a business process and flesh out your project plan.

In this article, I will discuss what a cross-functional flowchart is, what it is used for, and how it can help in business planning.

You will also learn how to create a cross-functional flowchart using Venngage’s cross-functional  Flowchart Maker . Alternatively, browse our selection of flowchart templates that you can customize and make your own in just minutes.

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What is a cross-functional flowchart?

How do you analyze a cross-functional flowchart, 3 types of cross-functional flowcharts, how to create a cross-functional flowchart, faqs about cross-functional flowcharts.

A cross-functional flowchart is a diagram that documents a process and arranges it into subdivisions or “swimlanes.”

You’ll often see cross-functional flowcharts referenced as a swimlane diagram , a sales process flowchart , or cross-functional diagram.

A swimlane or cross-functional flowchart reveals the individuals or departments who will carry out the steps or activities to complete a process.

Here is a cross-functional flowchart that shows the process of how to take a client from sale of a project to actual handover:

Related : Swimlane Process Maps: How do They Work Together to Improve Business Processes?

What are cross-functional flowcharts used for?

Cross-functional flowcharts are used by businesses and organizations to illustrate how the input of multiple departments is needed to fulfill a process.

They help employees understand each other’s roles and responsibilities, which can prevent miscommunication and errors and ultimately streamline the entire process.

A cross-functional flowchart can be used for the following purposes:

• Process mapping: Cross-functional flowcharts help map out a process or workflow by providing a clear and comprehensive view of each step involved and the interaction between different departments or individuals.
• Identifying bottlenecks: Cross-functional flowcharts enable visual identification of bottlenecks or inefficiencies within a process.
• Communication: Cross-functional flowcharts make it easy to convey complex interactions to team members, stakeholders, and even external parties.
• Project management : Cross-functional flowcharts help break down dependencies between different project phases, tasks, and teams, ensuring a smooth and coordinated project execution.

What layout does a cross-functional flowchart have?

The swimlanes in a cross-functional flowchart can have a horizontal or vertical orientation.

Each swimlane stands for a department or team involved in the process, while each process step is aligned with the swimlane or department in charge of that particular step.

This is an example of a cross-functional flowchart with vertical swimlanes:

A cross-functional flowchart differs from a basic flowchart since process steps are grouped into different lanes. Each lane is labeled with an individual, team, or department while the steps are read from left to right.

In order to understand and analyze a cross-functional flowchart, you need to be familiar with its structure and elements.

Here are the elements that make up a cross-functional flowchart:

• Parallel lines – These are used to divide the diagram into different lanes.
• Start and end points  – Rectangle shapes with rounded corners that mark the start and end of the process.
• Activities  – These cross-functional flowchart shapes portray a task or step in the process and are represented by a rectangle.
• Lines or arrows  – Connect the steps together from one lane to another.
• Decisions  – Diamond shapes that contain a question or decision that is answered with either yes or no.
• Input and output  – Parallelograms that symbolize any data that comes in and out of the process flow.
• Document  – This rectangle symbol with a wavy bottom side indicates that a related document needs to be retrieved for the process step.

These are the different types of cross-functional flowcharts that you can use for process mapping:

1. Matrix flowcharts

Matrix flowcharts are the most complicated type as they are designed for outlining complex relationships in a single process.

In a matrix flowchart, each process step is subdivided into more than one classification, creating subprocesses and therefore making it harder to read.

It is for this reason that this cross-functional flowchart is not very popular. However, they are useful for illustrating complex processes, especially in the field of programming.

Here is an example of a matrix flowchart. As you can see, it has too many complex parts.

2. Deployment flowcharts

The most common type of cross-functional flowchart, deployment flowcharts simply group the process steps into their respective departments or swimlanes.

When it comes to a deployment flowchart, the swimlanes are considered classifications under which the process steps or activities fall and follow a sequential order.

Deployment flowcharts are often used in visualizing manufacturing or order processing.

Here is a great example:

3. Opportunity flowcharts

Lastly, in an opportunity flowchart, the steps or activities are categorized as those that add value to the process and those that don’t.

That said, opportunity flowcharts are comprised of only two swimlanes: value-added and non-value-added.

Here is an example of an opportunity flowchart in which the steps of taking a phone order are divided into those that add value and those that only add cost:

Here is an opportunity flowchart that shows the step-by-step of the product order process:

This type of cross-functional flowchart is mostly used in business analysis as it helps identify which process steps will increase or decrease profit.

Now, to create your own cross-functional flowchart, you can follow this step-by-step guide to ensure that you will produce a clear and well-designed flowchart:

Step 1: Define the process and its components

First, identify which process you will map out, the people who will perform the steps, and your objectives or the outcomes that you want to achieve through the process.

You need to determine all the details of the process before you proceed to create your flowchart.

Step 2: Create a starting point

Now it’s time to draft your flowchart. Write down the first step in the process on a blank piece of paper. Use the right flowchart symbol for your starting point by drawing a rounded rectangle around it.

Step 3: Create the swimlanes

Next, list down the departments, teams, or individuals you have come up with. Take into account the order of their involvement in the process and make sure the starting point falls under the right department.

Create swimlanes for each department by drawing lines to separate them. A horizontal swimlane will have the departments listed from top to bottom on the left side of the page while a vertical swimlane will have them enumerated from left to right at the top of the page.

Related : 10+ Swimlane Diagram Templates and How to Create Them

Step 4: Complete the steps

From the starting point, continue to build the process steps in the correct sequence. Remember the symbols you should use for every step or activity, decision, and input or output.

Connect the steps with lines or arrows. Keep adding more steps or activities until you complete the process then use the endpoint symbol to mark the end of the process.

Step 5: Choose a reliable diagramming tool

By now, your cross-functional flowchart is almost complete and all you need to do is to convert it to its final form.

Picking the right tool to make your flowchart is a crucial step in the creation process as it will define how successful your flowchart will turn out.

Venngage’s cross-functional  Flowchart Maker  is a great choice as it is a free online tool with easy-to-use features that can help you create a more impactful flowchart. The best part? Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you!

Venngage has free, fully-customizable templates that you can use to design and finalize your flowchart. Using the smart drag-and-drop editor, you can easily add and change elements like colors, shapes, and fonts.

But in the other hand, you can always upgrade to a Venngage business account to access  My Brand Kit , which lets you add your company’s logo, color palette, and fonts to all your designs with a single click.

A business account also includes a  real-time collaboration feature , so you can invite members of your team to work simultaneously on a project.

How do you make a cross-functional flowchart in Venngage?

Making a cross-functional flowchart in Venngage is super easy. You simply need to:

• Sign up and create an account with Venngage
• Choose a cross-functional flowchart template from our library
• Edit the flowchart shapes, labels, and colors
• Add icons, illustrations, or backgrounds which you can also get from our library.

After that, you can download your work as a PNG or PDF file (paid plans only) or share it online (free).

What are the main flowchart types?

There are many  types of flowcharts , but the most common are:

• Process flowcharts: Used for process mapping or illustrating how a series of steps are carried out.
• Workflow charts  – Diagrams which describe how tasks are done in a business process.
• Swimlane flowcharts  – Show how a process is fulfilled by different participants.
• Data flowcharts  – Illustrate the process of how data enters and comes out of a system.

Related : What is a Flowchart? Use Cases, Templates & Design Tips

Can you create a cross-functional flowchart in Word?

You can create a cross-functional flowchart in Microsoft Word by building from basic shapes or SmartArt Graphics. However, it will take more time and effort as the program doesn’t offer any templates to make the creation and designing process faster and easier. Venngage’s Cross-functional  Flowchart Maker  is a better tool you can use for free.

In conclusion: Cross-functional flowcharts can improve process mapping and make business planning easier.

Cross-functional flowcharts can help in task delegation and process management which can contribute to efficient business planning. 

Use Venngage’s Cross-functional  Flowchart Maker  for your next project plan.

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