flow chart for business plan

Business Plan Flowchart Complete Guide

Edraw content team, do you want to make your business plan flowchart.

EdrawMax specializes in diagramming and visualizing. Learn from this article to know about what is the business plan flowchart and business plan flowchart example. Just try it free now!

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.

You May Also Like

Expenditure cycle flowchart complete guide, accounts payable flowchart complete guide, what to write in a birthday card, bpmn complete guide, greeting card size, what is an invoice.

The 8 Best Free Flowchart Templates [+ Examples]

Published: July 17, 2024

Once upon a time at university, I used flowcharts to map out my research processes so they could be clearly understood and repeated during peer review. Lately, I’ve been using flowcharts to organize an instructional book on floral design. Today, I’ll be exploring flowcharts as they pertain to the business sector.

Flowchart templates help people easily map out business processes, improve workflows, and even clarify organizational structures. Any industry can make smart use of flowcharts for business, and templates make that work go even faster.

Bulleted lists, Word documents, or even presentations can help convey a process, but they don’t offer the same level of visual clarity and readability that a flowchart does. This is especially true if you’re trying to map out different steps or stages.

So let’s answer the main questions first: what is a flowchart, and what can you use it for?

Table of Contents

What Is a Flowchart?

Flowchart templates for business, flowchart examples for business, free flowchart templates.

Visualize processes and timelines with these free templates.

• Company Project Timeline
• A/B Testing Flowchart
• Onboarding Flowchart

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

A flowchart is a visual map to help explain a process for decision-making, achieving results, or projecting an outcome. Flowcharts begin at a starting point on the graphic, and as users follow through it, they will choose one of several outcomes or options until reaching the end of the process.

Flowcharts are ideal for outlining processes, which are the backbone of a strong business. A clear, repeatable process has two major hurdles to successful implementation in any business: first, the development of that process, and second, getting buy-in from stakeholders on that process. (Good luck, right?)

The best way to overcome both of these potential roadblocks is to transparently and logically outline a process.

Many businesses use flowcharts to manage this, as flowcharts visually outline a process roadmap for a full-scope understanding. They can also be easily digested by employees who need to know and follow the process.

In a business, flowcharts can be used for any of the following purposes:

• Team and organizational alignment . An organizational structure diagram clarifies who reports to whom in your team.
• Data management . A data flow diagram will help you understand how information progresses through your business up until deletion.
• Sales process mapping . Creating a sales process flowchart can help you shorten the sales cycle and increase revenue.
• Email nurturing. Email campaigns are famously dependent on workflows , which are a type of flowchart that decides who to enroll in a campaign and when.
• Customer journey mapping . A customer journey flowchart shows how customers find you and what their experience is like at your business.
• Customer or employee onboarding. A customer onboarding process flow can help you define what messaging to send and when during your customer’s first interactions with your business.
• A/B testing . When designing an A/B test , you’ll typically use a flowchart to figure out how many versions you’ll test and the potential results you’ll get.

You can also use flowcharts for QA work, mapping out your career progression, and much, much more.

To help you create actionable flowcharts for your organization, I’ve listed the best flowchart templates for you to download and start using today. These can help you to create a smoother process in any area of your business. Each one comes with a download link for you to start using that template right on Google Slides.

1. Basic Process Flowchart Template

The Best AI Tools for Ecommerce & How They'll Boost Your Business

18 of My Favorite Sample Business Plans & Examples For Your Inspiration

23 of My Favorite Free Marketing Newsletters

What is a Business Plan? Definition, Tips, and Templates

7 Gantt Chart Examples You'll Want to Copy [+ 5 Steps to Make One]

How to Write an Executive Summary Execs Can't Ignore [+ 5 Top Examples]

20 Free & Paid Small Business Tools for Any Budget

Maximizing Your Social Media Strategy: The Top Aggregator Tools to Use

The Content Aggregator Guide for 2024

Access 8 Free Flowchart Templates (+8 Free Timeline Templates)

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

Your current User-Agent string appears to be from an automated process, if this is incorrect, please click this link:

What is a flowchart? Examples, tips, and templates

Start collaborating with Mural today

What is a flowchart.

Flowchart definition: A flowchart is a diagram that uses symbols and arrows to visualize a process.

A flowchart is a diagram that uses symbols and arrows to visualize a process. Flowcharts, also known as flow diagrams, are a handy way to design and document each step in a workflow and illustrate how they’re interconnected. Using a standardized set of symbols, including shapes and arrows, flowcharts make it possible to show complex processes using a shared visual language.

What are flowcharts used for?

Flowcharts were first used in the computing world in the 1940s. As Indiana University professor Nathan Ensmenger explains, “The idea was that an analyst would examine a problem, design an algorithmic solution, and outline that algorithm in the form of a flowchart diagram.”

But flowcharts don’t start and end with computer programming. Today, flowcharts are a useful tool for building and documenting virtually any process, be it simple or complex. They’re used in a wide variety of disciplines and fields, from software development to education to business operations and beyond.

What are the benefits of using flowcharts?

Flowcharts are a powerful tool for visualizing processes, and they offer several benefits that enhance communication, collaboration, and understanding in various contexts. Here are some ways in which using a flowchart can be beneficial:

Clarifies complex processes

Flowcharts break down complex procedures into more manageable, sequential steps. This visualization helps to simplify understanding by showing the flow from one step to another in a logical manner.

Enhances communication

By providing a visual representation of a process, flowcharts facilitate clearer communication among team members and stakeholders. They help ensure that everyone understands the process in the same way, reducing misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Identifies redundancies and inefficiencies

Flowcharts can help identify redundancies and inefficiencies within a process. By laying out each step visually, it becomes easier to see where delays, unnecessary steps, or bottlenecks occur, which can then be addressed to streamline the process.

Improves problem solving 

With a clear visual map of a process, it's easier to pinpoint where issues are occurring. Flowcharts enable problem solvers to focus on specific stages of a process where improvements are needed, facilitating more targeted and effective solutions.

Facilitates training and onboarding

For new employees or team members, flowcharts serve as an excellent training tool. They provide a quick overview of how processes work , which helps new hires understand their roles and responsibilities within the broader system more quickly and thoroughly.

Supports documentation and standardization

Flowcharts are useful for documenting processes for consistency and standardization. They ensure that everyone follows the same process steps , leading to consistent outputs and quality control.

Aids decision-making 

Decision points are clearly marked on flowcharts , showing where decisions need to be made and what the subsequent steps are based on these decisions. This clarity supports quicker and more informed decision-making within a team or organization.

Encourages collaboration 

By visualizing the process, team members can see how their work interconnects with others . This understanding can make the workplace more collaborative, as people understand their roles in the bigger process and work together better.

Supports continuous improvement

Flowcharts aren't static; they can be updated and modified as processes change and improve . This adaptability makes them an excellent tool for continuous improvement efforts within an organization.

Provides a tool for compliance and quality control

In industries where compliance with standards is crucial, flowcharts help ensure adherence to required processes . They can be used as a part of quality control systems to help maintain high standards.

Demystifying flowchart symbols

At first glance, flowcharts and diagrams can look overwhelming. What do all the different shapes mean? But when we take some time to understand flowchart symbols’ meanings, they start to tell a visual story. They indicate when a process starts, the logic that makes it progress, and when it comes to an end.

Basic flowchart symbols

Let’s start with the basics. These are the five symbols you’ll most commonly find in a simple flowchart.

• ‍ Terminator, Start/End : Every process has a start and an end point. Use the oval shape to identify both moments. ‍
• Action, process : The rectangle shape is used for actions or instructions, the things that must be done. ‍
• Decision : The diamond shape indicates a step in the process that asks a question or requires a decision. ‍
• Connector : Use a circle when leaping from one action to another. ‍
• Flowline : Flowlines indicate the directional flow of the process and point to the next step. ‍

Other common flowchart symbols ‍

You can create most simple flowcharts using just five symbols — but you’re not limited to those shapes.

Different types of flowcharts also rely on different symbols. For example, Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) diagrams use icons, while Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams use a much more complex notation system.

Some visual collaborators prefer to use less abstracted images to represent specific aspects of a workflow. For example, an app developer might use an image of a bug to represent all the QA steps in launching a new feature. Play around with your flowchart’s arrows, shapes, and symbols to find what works best for you.

Whatever visual language you use, make sure to be consistent so that the idea or process you are mapping is easily understood.

How to make a flowchart

For almost as long as we’ve had computers, we’ve had flowchart creation software. For serious diagrammers, like the folks mapping out computer algorithms, there are dedicated tools specifically for creating complex flowcharts. However, most people don’t need something quite so robust. In fact, you probably already use a tool that offers flowcharting capabilities — for example, Microsoft Excel, Google Docs, or Google Slides.

Unfortunately, these types of flowchart software have some limitations. Most flowchart makers are designed to be extremely linear, making it difficult to adjust and iterate on the fly. They also limit your team’s ability to collaborate on diagramming in real time. Instead, you’re left playing diagramming ping-pong with your teammates. This back-and-forth can cost you valuable time and prevent you from coming to solutions quickly as a cohesive team.

If you need a flowchart maker that allows you to collaborate — especially with a remote or distributed team — you need a visual collaboration platform.

Visual collaboration platforms are especially useful when you’re in the early stages of designing a flowchart. You’ll have more flexibility with a dynamic flowchart creator that makes it easy to drag and drop symbols and quickly connect the dots — and to do it collaboratively.

7 flowchart examples and templates to get you started

Possibilities for mapping and diagramming with flowcharts are endless. They can be used for something as simple as documenting a linear process, or as complex as describing a computer algorithm. So, how do you know which type of flowchart to create?

It all depends on your goal. Do you need to document a process for new employees? Understand everyone’s roles in a cross-functional project? Visualize the flow of data? There are specific types of flowcharts designed to do each of those jobs — and we’ve rounded up five of the most common for you here.

Rather than starting from scratch, use a template to jumpstart your diagramming process. For each type of flowchart, we built an easy-to-use template based on insights from consultants, product teams, project managers — the people who do this every day.

1. Workflow Diagram template

Use a workflow diagram (also called a workflow flowchart) to visualize all the actions and steps needed to complete a project or process.

➡️ Get the Workflow Diagram template

2. Process Flowchart template

Use a process flowchart (also called a business process flow or process flow diagram) to visualize all the steps and inputs of a business process to identify opportunities for improvement.

➡️ Get the Process Flowchart template

3. Data Flow Diagram template

Use a data flow diagram (DFD) to visualize and annotate how data flows within an information system or process.

➡️ Get the Data Flow Diagram template

4. Swimlane Flowchart template

Use a swimlane flowchart, or swimlane diagram, to visualize roles and responsibilities for important projects so that no one feels underwater.

➡️ Get the Swimlane Flowchart template

5. Business Process Modeling Diagram (BPMN) template

Diagram step-by-step actions and inputs in a business process.

➡️ Get the Business Process Modeling Diagram (BPMN) template

6. Schematic Diagramming template

A schematic diagram is best used when you need to show the parts of a system or circuit clearly and simply. It shows how the parts connect and work together without showing how they are laid out in a physical way.

➡️ Get the Schematic Diagram template

7. Stakeholder Mapping template

A stakeholder map diagram is used to visually organize and analyze the relationships, influence, and interests of stakeholders in a project, helping to strategize communication and engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

➡️ Get the Stakeholder Mapping template

When to use a flowchart

Flowcharts are versatile tools that can be used in various scenarios to organize information, clarify processes, and identify inefficiencies. Here’s a more detailed look at some common use cases for flowcharts:

Documenting a Process

When new employees join a company or when a team is updating its procedures, a flowchart can serve as a visual reference that outlines each step in a business process. This helps ensure everyone understands the workflow and their roles within it.

Identifying potential breakdowns and bottlenecks in a process

Flowcharts can highlight areas where processes slow down or where errors frequently occur. This visualization helps managers and team members anticipate problems and implement preventive measures before issues become more severe.

Visualizing dependencies in a process

In complex projects, understanding how different tasks are interconnected can help in planning and resource allocation. A flowchart can show the sequence of actions and dependencies, ensuring that prerequisites are completed before subsequent steps begin.

Automating a manual process

By mapping out the steps of a manual process, a flowchart can help identify which parts can be automated . This is particularly useful in reducing repetitive tasks and improving efficiency in operations.

Visualizing the flow of data

In IT and data management, flowcharts are essential for illustrating how data moves through systems . This can be crucial for troubleshooting issues, enhancing systems, or complying with data protection regulations.

Planning a project

Project managers use flowcharts to outline the phases of a project and the critical milestones . This helps in communicating the project plan to team members and stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of project timelines and deliverables.

Identifying the right person to own a task or project

A flowchart can help clarify roles and responsibilities within a team by mapping who's responsible for each step in a process. This is particularly useful in complex projects where multiple teams or departments are involved.

Troubleshooting technical issues

In technical support and engineering, flowcharts are used to diagnose problems and determine solutions . By following the paths laid out in a flowchart, technicians can systematically identify the source of a problem and the steps needed to resolve it.

Making a decision that involves multiple variables

Decision-making flowcharts help in situations where choices depend on multiple factors . By following different branches based on varying conditions, decision-makers can see potential outcomes and make informed choices.

Collaborative diagramming made easy with Mural

Anyone can visualize diagrams, flows, processes, and more in Mural to generate great ideas, structure complex processes, and optimize user experiences. Work at the speed of thought alongside teammates, clients, or customers.

Sign up for a Free, Forever account today and see how flowcharts can enhance collaboration, improve your processes, and make communication more effective and efficient.

Related blog posts

What is a mind map? Tips, examples, and templates

Visual collaboration: What it is & how to get started

Don't do this when using a flowchart builder

Related blog posts.

How to Collect Feedback from Stakeholders Effectively

What is the difference between traditional project management and Agile?

• Concise, focused guide that cuts through the clutter
• Step-by-step instructions for creating a project plan in under a day
• Master essential skills like work breakdowns and task sequencing
• Real-world troubleshooting for 20 common scheduling challenges
• Rapidly get up to speed if you're new to Microsoft Project
• Includes glossary, support resources, and sample plans
• Start planning like a pro
• Get your copy today!

10 Flow Chart examples - FREE downloads [in visio & PDF]

Flow charts are a diagrammatic representation of the inputs, outputs and steps that make up a business process. stakeholdermap.com

• The Top 10 Flow Chart symbols you need to know
• Example flow charts to download

Why you need Lucidchart for Flowcharts!

[Business Process] Maps and flowcharts help make work visible. Increased visibility improves communication and understanding, and provides a common frame of reference for those involved with the work process. Damelio, R. 1996, pg. 1

Flow Chart examples from real world projects

Patient check in flow chart.

Raise Purchase Order Process

Distribution Process Flow Chart

Match Invoice Process

Get References for a New Hire Flow Chart

Project Start-up Flow Chart

Risk Management Process Flow Chart

Service Request - Call Flow Chart

Scrutiny Process

Scrutiny Process second example

Business Readiness Flow Chart

An example Data Flow diagram

Taking the Cat to the Vet - Flow Chart

• Easy to use with a simple drag and drop GUI
• Great pricing! Unlimited digrams for as low as $7.95 / month
• 100s of templates for Flowcharts, UI design, Projects, and Reports
• FREE online training videos, webinars and case studies
• Multiple people can work on a diagram at once
• Share with your team with a click of a button

Example Flow Charts - references and further reading

Share this image.

Business Process Flow Chart: How to Make One In 7 Steps

Creating an automated business process flow chart will go a long way in determining your restaurant business workflow and dynamics. If you do not have an effective business process flow chart template, you need to get one.

Key Takeaway - Having a business workflow that projects productiveness for every team member is crucial. Besides using ecommerce automation tools , a process flowchart makes getting work done within your company easier.

With the perfect business process mapping, you can automate daily tasks. You can also standardize business operations.

Operations like invoice processing , creating an invoice template , or using order management software are all done smoothly. In addition, you can set up a loyalty program , or automate orders. 

A process flowchart can simplify complex activities like payment processing . The inventory management process and order management workflows can become easy tasks. The inventory definition is even easier to understand with the correct flow chart usage. Heck, the right flow chart can even help offset the inventory carrying cost if you know what you're doing with it.

The point is for your entire team to be in sync. A process workflow chart can help the restaurant team remain aligned with each operation and workflow process. 

How do you design a process flow diagram? This article will help you understand the intricacies of restaurant business process automation. You will also learn how to create a business process flow chart. First, however, let's begin with the most basic question.

What Is a Business Process Flow Chart?

A business process flow chart is a diagram that details the entire process of a business operation. It is a diagrammatic representation of distinct business processes and tasks. 

The purpose of a business process flow chart is to simplify complex procedures and map out your process flow. Restaurant process maps depict the workflow using conditional logic to account for every potential situation. 

Besides the entire business operation, the process flowchart maps out who is doing what tasks. It also shows timelines, and resources needed to perform specific tasks. Kind of similar to how warehouse system flow charts work.

For instance, you can create a business process flow chart to automate handling complaints and requests. Or one to make sure the sales team gets approval upon receiving a new purchase order.

You can create flowchart templates that will help your team handle complex processes if you are off work or unavailable to help. The idea behind process flowcharts is that anyone can replicate the actions for specific operations and get the same results.

Documenting your business workflow makes it easy for employees to work with minimal likelihood of errors. It doesn’t matter if you know the entire business process management by heart. Having a system in place helps your employees adopt the processes as their own.

Creating a process flow is similar to how you write your restaurant business plan . In the long run, it will improve restaurant business productivity. It also helps you continue delivering high-value customer service .

How Can Process Flow Diagrams Help to Improve Productivity?

Do you know that about 50% of employees in a company lack an understanding of their job function and duties? According to a report, most managers do not set expectations for new hires. Ultimately this leads to poor performance and productivity. ( Effectory )

You can avoid this by having a simple business process flow chart template for each operation in your company. So, let's put it into context. How can business process optimization boost business efficiency? 

Increased Work Productivity

Having a business process map template for every process in your company improves productivity. Every employee knows what tasks they are doing and when they are doing them.

Business process diagrams answer the questions of business processes' what, where, when, how, and why. In addition, business process flow charts help employees understand each step in a work process.

Overall, work performance increases because of the work autonomy and clarity of purpose. 

Business Process Improvement Solutions

Documenting your process flow will help create a standard mode of operation. Then, it is possible to align these standard processes with your company's goals and set KPIs to monitor the results.

Business process flow makes checking how simple and complex processes function within your company easier without manually tracking anything. 

Employee Training Guide

Creating a business process flow chart makes it easier to train new employees. It can also help enforce compliance with the company's rules and regulations. 

A typical onboarding process for new employees can take up to six months. But with a flowchart, employees can quickly understand their new roles, making it easier to align with the company's working system.

How Do You Design a Process Flow Diagram? Getting Started In 7 Easy Steps

We've established that your company needs a business process flow chart. The next thing is designing one that will fit your business needs. After that, you can automate the entire work process and remove all errors in your work system.

Designing a business process flow chart is easier than you think. However, the design process begins with picturing the business process. 

Thinking ahead for all possible workflow scenarios when fulfilling a task. It accounts for the solutions to these scenarios.

Let's start designing your business process flow chart in these seven simple steps:

• Select a Workflow Process

The first step is to select the workflow process you want to automate. Next, choose a process that will achieve specific objectives and can be quantifiable. For instance, you can automate the invoice management operation to reduce processing costs.

• Define the Process Steps 

After selecting the process, you want to make sure you understand every possible outcome involved in that process. Reach out to team members and get more information from their experiences. This will help you define the components of each step.

You must break down each step into the tiniest detail without leaving anything out. Also, make sure you walk through these steps to check if the system works.

• Create the Process Flow Diagram

You can use a pen and paper to draw out the diagram. Make sure to draw out the start and end points of each process. For example, the start point for purchase order management can be to “create a requisition,” and the endpoint is “issuing the invoice.”

Remember to set conditions and fill in the details of the steps within the diagram. Also, use business process model and notation, as well as clear tags, colors, and shapes when depicting specific steps.

• Test and Update the Process

Now, you need to test your process diagram. Are there any redundancies? Does it achieve the desired outcome? Is it easy to understand? 

The good thing about a business flow diagram is that you can edit it based on new information. However, with further edits and updates, make sure to run an experiment.

It is essential to update the process as your company expands to eliminate redundancies and improve team performance.

• Set KPIs and Monitor

Setting restaurant business KPIs and metrics for each automated process makes it possible to monitor performance. For example, you can check if the flowchart still aligns with your company goals. 

In addition, setting performance metrics makes it easier to monitor complex processes. The results you get over time will inform if there is a need to break that process down or change the steps involved.

• Business Process Management Tool

You can use a pen and paper to draw your process diagram. However, it is not feasible. 

An eCommerce business process management tool offers a workflow solution for your process flow management. It is much easier than drawing the entire process on paper. You can learn more in our eCommerce business guide.

Business process management tools offer pre-built template options and workflow wizards to help you set up your company's processes. All you need to do is select the process, add the steps, and set the conditions.

Most tools also have a drag-and-drop feature that makes it easy to customize and create a workflow. You can assign roles to each task and add supervisors to monitor the entire process.

However, you can use a business process flow chart template if you don't want to go through the time-consuming process of starting from scratch to create a process flow chart. Most business process management platforms make it easy to modify a flow chart template to suit your B2B eCommerce business .

Therefore, you can fill out the template with your specific business processes and procedures.

• Use a Restaurant Management Software

The whole essence of having a business process flowchart template is to create efficient business systems . A process flowchart is a great place to start if you are looking to automate your restaurant operations.

However, using restaurant management software will offer similar benefits. A restaurant management software is designed to run restaurant operations.

The tool can help process payments, and help streamline marketing and operations. A restaurant management system can improve inventory management and employee scheduling. 

You can even make changes to different types of menus. Using both a process flowchart and a restaurant management tool will help you stay on top of all activities in your business. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Process Flow Chart

Why is a process flowchart useful.

A process flowchart helps to automate the workflow in a business. Whether you are running a bar or a deli restaurant, a business flowchart can help to organize your operation.

Here are some uses of a process flowchart for your restaurant business:

1. Organizes the operations of a business.

2. Provides easy-to-follow process documents for employees.

3. Reduces employee training requirements.

4. Sets standards and desired outputs for work processes.

5. Improves conversation and efficiency within the company.

What Is the Best Way of Documenting Business Processes?

There are various methods of documenting business processes. You can use a flowchart diagram to map out your workflow processes. However, if you are looking for something really simple, you can try a checklist app.

The most important thing is that whatever method you choose is able to capture your workflow. In the long run, it should be easy for your team to follow.

How Do I Organize Business Processes In a Developing Startup?

Here's a checklist of how you can organize your startup restaurant business processes :

1. Map out business processes.

2. Implement the business process flow chart.

3. Analyze and review set KPIs.

4. Monitor and adjust the process as needed.

5. Use restaurant management software.

The hospitality business is not for the faint of heart. Having a business process in place with the perfect hospitality software will help to grow your restaurant startup.

To Sum It All Up

Running a new restaurant business can be difficult if you do not have the perfect plan in place. A flowchart simplifies things and gives you an excellent head start.

It does not matter if you are operating a small business. As long as you have plans to expand someday in the books, it’s best if you think about process flow-charting.

• Infographics
• Most Recent
• Presentations
• Data Visualizations
• Forms and Surveys
• Video & Animation
• Case Studies
• Design for Business
• Digital Marketing
• Design Inspiration
• Visual Thinking
• Product Updates
• Visme Webinars
• Artificial Intelligence

30+ Flowchart Examples (With Guide, Tips and Templates)

Written by: Chloe West

One tried-and-true visual format for dissecting complicated processes is the flowchart. You've probably seen all types of these, from humorous ones to those used in technical fields such as computer programming and engineering.

Flowcharts are diagrams that graphically represent a step-by-step progression through a procedure or system, and they’re extremely useful for demonstrating how things progress and explaining a subject or giving directions.

A flowchart done right can be a useful and entertaining tool; a flowchart gone wrong, not so much. We’ve compiled a list of flowchart examples for making important decisions in different fields, with helpful tips on how to create your own.

What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process. It’s a diagram that illustrates the workflow required to complete a task or a set of tasks with the help of symbols, lines and shapes.

Below are two examples of a flowchart:

Flowcharts are used to study, improve and communicate processes in various fields. They are excellent tools for breaking down information and making it easy to understand and follow.

From sales, marketing, project management and HR to computer programming, administrative and service processes, flowcharts can help explain processes across all industries.

Here are some of the major types of flowcharts that businesses use:

• Process Flow Diagrams: A process flow diagram illustrates the general flow of a process and the relationships between the major components.
• Data Flow Diagrams: A data flow diagram visualizes how data is processed in an information system from input to output.
• Workflow Diagrams: Workflow diagrams illustrate the steps involved to complete a task or execute a process in an efficient way.
• Swimlane Flowcharts: A swimlane flowchart visualizes multiple flows of information or categories to help clarify roles and responsibilities.
• Yes/No Flowcharts: Also known as dichotomous keys , yes/no flowcharts make it easy to visualize different paths based on yes/no decisions.

Remember, flowcharts aren't the only type of charts and graphs you need for your business. Scatter plots, bubble charts , Gantt charts , bar charts and line charts also have various applications.

Your Guide to Flowchart Symbols

Before you start creating your flowchart, you need to familiarize yourself with the different flowchart symbols and shapes.

Knowing what each shape means can help you create flowcharts that are universally understandable and prevent any confusion in interpretation.

Some of the most common flowchart shapes are:

• Oval: An oval shape is also called a terminator. It symbolizes the start or end of a process, which is why it is often used at the two end points of a flowchart.
• Arrow: An arrow shows the direction of the process flow. For example, if your information is flowing from the left to right, you can use an arrow to depict it. You can also use two arrows pointing in opposite directions if the information is flowing in both directions.
• Rectangle: A rectangle shape usually depicts a task, operation or process. This is what you’ll use for most of your flowchart is depicting a process with various tasks.
• Parallelogram: This shape represents input or output of data or information in a flowchart. Parallelograms are mostly used in data flow diagrams.
• Diamond: A diamond shape represents a decision in a flowchart, and is mostly used in yes/no flowcharts or dichotomous keys.

30+ Flowchart Examples to Inspire You

Need to create your own flowchart, but have no idea where to start? Don’t worry — making a flowchart doesn’t have to be complicated.

First, we’ve got a 7-step guide on how to make a flowchart . Second, we’ve got over 30 unique flowchart examples to help you get those creative juices flowing.

Once you’ve found the perfect flowchart example, you can recreate your own version using Visme’s flowchart maker .

Flowchart Example #1: Do You Have Impostor Syndrome?

A flowchart is the perfect decision-making tool, helping you to navigate through complex questions or concepts. Here, we have a question asking Do You Have Impostor Syndrome?

Impostor syndrome is the name for the feeling that one isn’t good enough at something, or feeling like a fraud at a job you’ve been assigned, even when (or especially when) you do know what you’re doing and are actually quite good at your job.

Helping people to pinpoint if they have impostor syndrome can help them work to overcome it, hence this flowchart.

Image Source

This flowchart not only helps people determine if they have impostor syndrome, but at the bottom, it has personality types based on each person’s answers throughout the flowchart.

See if you can come up with your own version of this in order to engage your audience. Lead them through the flowchart until they have an answer/explanation for their responses at the end.

Flowchart Example #2: How to Reach Your Audience

While this is an older example, it still showcases a great way to design your own flowchart.

The same old arrows and lines can get boring. To make your flowchart much more interesting, try getting creative with your paths. This chart is a great example of this — the arrows are free-flowing and weave around and over each other, creating a unique vibe.

Moreover, the arrows serve a functional purpose, guiding the eye more freely toward their destinations. Experiment with different path types, from a free-flowing style such as this, to using items other than traditional arrows and lines, and see what works for you.

Flowchart Example #3: Site Map Flowchart

Flowcharts have a lot of really practical uses, including to pinpoint the proper flow of your website in a visual sitemap.

Taking notes from the flowchart example above, you can easily create your own sitemap based on your website’s navigation and how each of the pages should be laid out. Use a different shape for different page layouts or page types to differentiate them.

Flowchart Example #4: Will This Content Format Work For You?

Is your team just starting out with a new content marketing strategy ? If so, this flowchart example is perfect for you.

This flowchart example is simple and to the point, and can be easily replicated. We also love how each blurb is more than just text, incorporating icons and visuals to make the overall flowchart more eye-catching.

Flowchart Example #5: Mobile SEO

Sometimes it helps to have additional information. However, adding too much to the flowchart can clutter it. Therefore, if you want to give a little more information, try including some notes at the end.

This flowchart on mobile SEO is a good example — it includes “key takeaways” at the end, helping to reinforce and flesh out the information already given.

A word of caution: Adding too much can cause as much clutter as including the information within the chart, so pick and choose what’s most important.

Flowchart Example #6: Is It Time to Rethink Your Website?

Another important aspect of a comprehensive flowchart is your color combinations . Having a coherent color scheme is a wonderful way to unite your flowchart.

This example on re-imagining your website uses blue, yellow and tan predominantly throughout, which goes a long way to create structure. The color choices also give a calming, professional feel. 

Experiment with colors and see which ones work best for your subject. Or to make it simple, consider just using your brand colors as a way to strengthen your overall brand recognition.

Flowchart Example #7: The Reality of My Creative Process

Not every flowchart has a variety of different branches. Some follow a singular linear process from start to finish, like we see in this example.

Consider how you could reuse an example or template like this to either outline your own creative process or come up with something entirely different to visualize.

Flowchart Example #8: Shoe Shopping Customer Journey

We love this flowchart example that is creating an eye-opening flow of how a customer would navigate through their website. In this case, it’s...not that great of a flow.

However, it’s a great idea to create your own flowchart to map out how customers would use your website to shop for products or sign up for services. Make sure there’s no feeling of disappointment or frustration throughout the process.

Create your own easy-to-follow flowcharts.

• Choose from dozens of professionally designed templates
• Add and alter icons, colors, fonts, images and more
• Select your preferred line and shape styles for your flowchart

Flowchart Example #9: Should You Hire an In-House Designer?

Need design work done for your company? This flowchart example — also a type of dichotomous key — navigates users through yes or no questions until they land on what option would be best for their business and needs.

While all three are wonderful options and might be the best fit for your business, we personally think that using a DIY design tool (like Visme) is the best way to bring design in-house on a budget.

Flowchart Example #10: How Good Is Remarketing For Search?

Flowcharts can even be used to compare different options, like we see in this example below. On one side, we showcase the process for search without remarketing versus search with remarketing, proving that one option is obviously better than the other.

You can easily do the same with solutions that your business solves and use this as a sales or marketing tool. Customize the template above with your own content to get started.

Flowchart Example #11: What Color Should Your Logo Be?

A fun, creative way to attract attention to your chart is to use a metaphor. This example on choosing a color for your brand is a good example of this. 

It describes your brand as a song and uses the metaphor throughout to help you find the right brand color, which makes the subject more accessible and entertaining.

Flowcharts have a bad reputation of being boring, dry pieces of visual content. By getting creative with your flowchart, you get your users excited about interacting with your brand.

Flowchart Example #12: Choosing the Best Virtual Meeting Platform

This type of flowchart is perfect for businesses. While sometimes you might want to create a comparison infographic , this example is a great way to promote your service and what it’s best for.

Think about how you can create a similar flowchart and use it to promote your service offerings and showcase how they stand out from the competition.

Flowchart Example #13: Should This Meeting Be An Email?

Not every flowchart needs to pull out all the bells and whistles. In fact, you can create a really basic-looking flowchart that still gets your message across, like we see below with this example.

It’s the age old question — do you really need a meeting? Or could you just send an email or a Slack message and be done with it?

Put together a flowchart for a similarly infamous dilemma in your industry and see the kind of traction you can build.

Flowchart Example #14: Should You Try Display Ads?

Flowcharts are also great ways to help you come to a decision. In this example, we have a few questions and answers for whether or not you should test display ads for your business.

Also called a decision tree or tree diagram , this type of flowchart can be really useful for your audience. Customize the template above to create your own version.

Flowchart Example #15: The Best Podcasts to Listen To

Flowcharts like this example are incredible ways to promote your product or service. This flowchart would be genius in the hands of Soundcloud or Spotify or another popular podcast streaming service.

How can you use this for your business? The best shoes for a brunch outfit? The best shows to binge watch? The best social media platforms for your content? The possibilities are endless.

Flowchart Example #16: How to Choose a Business Partner

Create a header that really stands out like we see in this example below. Your flowchart doesn’t always need to be the star of the show.

We also love flowcharts that lead viewers to a solution at the end. This example on choosing a business partner does this well, including brief snippets to describe each result.

Flowchart Example #17: The Flow of Content Creation

Another great use case for a flowchart is to walk your viewers through a process. In this example, we see the flow of content creation, taking users all the way from the inspiration to editing and polishing off an article.

Think of ways that you can create flowcharts to demonstrate your own business processes in order to streamline the way that different tasks work.

You can also use process flow diagrams like this one to share with clients in order to showcase how your business helps improve workflows, saving both time and money.

Flowchart Example #18: Editorial Department Organizational Chart

Flowcharts are also perfect for organizing a hierarchy, like we see with this chart showcasing an editorial department’s head honcho and everyone underneath them.

This can be a great type of flowchart to include in an employee handbook or onboarding document to let new team members know who each person on their team reports to. 

Consider creating organizational flowcharts for each department in your office. You can easily get started by customizing the above template.

Flowchart Example #19: Dissertation Writing Services Workflow

A flowchart is also a great way to visualize a workflow. As we see in this example, the process is broken up into sections based on who is responsible for which tasks.

You can easily customize this template to help visualize your own workflows at your company and share them with members of your team.

Flowchart Example #20: Should Your Business Be On Pinterest?

An easy way to lose your audience is to create paths that are difficult to follow. A flowchart is meant to guide a viewer clearly through several options — without that, you can easily lose and confuse others.

This flowchart, which answers the question if your business should be on Pinterest, is a wonderful example as it provides clean lines to direct the viewer's eyes between each subject.

Flowchart Example #21: What Type of Procrastinator Are You?

Humor is a great way to capture an audience’s attention, and this quiz-like flowchart on procrastination uses it to great effect.

Humorous comments, such as “Deadlines?! Panic stations!” litter the road to determining which type of procrastinator you are. The comments, combined with the subject, make for a much more entertaining read, and help the viewer retain the information.

Flowchart Example #22: Payroll Process Flow Diagram

Important processes in your business — like payroll — should always be visualized with a process flow diagram to make sure that no important steps are missed and that all employees are always being paid on time.

You can easily use the template above and customize it to fit your payroll process or showcase a different process in your company.

Flowchart Example #23: Clinical Research Career Path

Another way to make your flowchart stand out is to get creative with your line designs. Bold lines, dotted lines or even something that isn’t actually a line at all, like we see in this example using roads.

A flowchart doesn’t have to fit in any specific boxes. As long as you’re guiding viewers from one section to another, you’re creating an epic flowchart.

Flowchart Example #24: How to Conduct a Successful Virtual Meeting

Your flowchart lines don’t even necessarily need to move around the canvas. As we see in this example, it can be just as effective to create a straight line that guides your reader down the page in a specific order.

We also love how each section is broken down even further to explain when to do each of the tasks listed.

Flowchart Example #25: Organization Hierarchy Flowchart

We covered a small example of an organizational chart earlier, but this hierarchy flowchart is even more creative. By including illustrations of each of the team members, this flowchart is anything but dry and boring.

These illustrations here are actually available right inside Visme. We have a variety of different “People” icons, and each element, down to skin color or shirt color, is customizable so you can visualize your own team members.

Flowchart Example #26: Are You Dealing With a Toxic Boss?

Grab attention with really provocative or controversial topics or questions like this one. As long as it’s relevant to your business and the types of content you create, this is a great way to make a splash with your flowcharts.

Additionally, use colors strategically throughout your flowchart. The red for negative choices and green for positive choices creates a nice contrast between the options.

Flowchart Example #27: Damages and Account of Profits

Flowcharts can be incredibly useful, and this two-tiered example shows exactly why. Instead of creating two totally different processes, Albright IP has given viewers a starting point for two different options, combining the workflow.

Consider ways that you could make this idea work for you so that you can spend less time creating useful flowcharts for your business.

Flowchart Example #28: What Kind of Pet Is Right For You?

While this example could be useful for a veterinary clinic or adoption center, not every flowchart needs to have a business use case. Consider how you can create fun flowcharts like this to send around the office and engage your employees, or to share on social media and have fun with your customers.

You can even customize this exact template so you already have a starting point and inspiration for your next flowchart.

Flowchart Example #29: Troubleshooting a WordPress Theme

The day-to-day problems of our jobs can cause the most frustration, so giving straight-forward, helpful advice on such topics can be a lifesaver. Flowcharts that focus on these things — such as this example on fixing problems in WordPress — are extremely helpful in these situations.

Flowcharts have so many different use cases, but creating one to help your audience do or learn something is a win-win situation. Your audience will look to you as a trusted resource and you’ll have helped them out.

Flowchart Example #30: Should You Open Your Own Business?

Not every flowchart needs to include the standard lines and shapes. This one has standalone text between each arrow and instead uses icons and illustrations to really drive its points home.

Think about the different ways you can visualize each of your steps or concepts. Use a tool like Visme that offers over 10,000 different types of icons to help decorate your flowchart design.

Flowchart Example #31: Designing an Effective Virtual Meeting Agenda

Here is another creative flowchart design that really stands out. We’re talking about a meeting agenda, and this flowchart has essentially been transposed atop a notepad illustration.

When it comes to graphic design, getting creative about how you visualize your topic is key, and we’re loving this example.

Gather Inspiration From These Flowchart Examples

There are a lot of different ways to use flowcharts effectively, and we hope this list has inspired you. To create your own flowchart, you can get started for free with Visme’s flowchart maker and professionally designed templates.

Bring information to life with a stunning infographic .

Trusted by leading brands

Recommended content for you:

Create Stunning Content!

Design visual brand experiences for your business whether you are a seasoned designer or a total novice.

About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

Newly Launched - AI Presentation Maker

Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies

AI PPT Maker

Powerpoint Templates

Icon Bundle

Kpi Dashboard

Professional

Business Plans

Swot Analysis

Gantt Chart

Business Proposal

Marketing Plan

Project Management

Business Case

Business Model

Cyber Security

Business PPT

Digital Marketing

Digital Transformation

Human Resources

Product Management

Artificial Intelligence

Company Profile

Acknowledgement PPT

PPT Presentation

Reports Brochures

One Page Pitch

Interview PPT

All Categories

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

Liked this blog? Please recommend us

Must Have Term Sheet Templates for Entrepreneurs and Founders

Top 5 Company Newsletter Templates with Samples and Examples

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Ultimate Flowchart Tutorial | Learn What is a 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.

History of Flowcharts

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 to Draw a Flowchart

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

Flowchart Templates and Examples

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.

• Ready to use
• Fully customizable template
• Get Started in seconds

Flowchart Best Practices

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.

Common Mistakes Made when Drawing Flowcharts

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.

More Related Articles

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.

What is a Flowchart

What do you want to do with flowcharts, i want to create my own flowchart on lucidchart., i want to create a flowchart from a ready-made template..

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
• Examples and models of flowcharts
• 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 .

Table of Contents

What is a flowchart? A complete guide

At Miro, we understand the power of visualizing complex concepts. Flowcharts are the perfect tool to help bring ideas to life. In this article, you’ll learn what a flowchart is, when to use one, and the different types to consider.

Flowcharts explained

Let's start with the basics: What exactly is a flowchart? A flowchart is a type of diagram that visually explains a process or workflow. By using standardized symbols and definitions, you can create a handy visual representation of any process's various steps and decision points.

Flowcharts have been popular for many years across various fields, from engineering and education to computer programming and project management. They are useful for communicating simple and complex processes and are incredibly dynamic and versatile. By looking at a flowchart, a viewer should be able to get a high-level overview of a process.

Typically, a flowchart is created using various symbols, each representing a different step within a sequence or process. These diagrams usually include a variety of elements, such as actions, materials, services, inputs, and outputs. If you need to make a decision but are unsure of the process and the different elements required to inform that decision, using a flowchart could greatly simplify the process.

Benefits of creating a flowchart

Flowcharts are a great tool for visualizing processes in your personal and professional life. They offer several advantages that can help you and your team. Here are some of the benefits of using a flowchart:

Visual clarity

The main benefit of using flowcharts is that they allow you to understand complex operations in a simple format. Many businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and administration use them to plot out important sequences. Additionally, flowcharts can help stakeholders understand the workflows that your company employs.

Improved communication

Flowcharts are useful for meetings where your team needs to understand and communicate important processes. By simplifying complex operations with flowchart symbols and definitions, you can clearly communicate information that would otherwise be difficult to discuss.

Proper documentation

Using flowcharts to plot out processes within your business is a great way to document what needs to be done. It also helps you understand your company's progress in completing a task. By using digital flowcharts, you can incorporate paperless documentation into your workflow.

When to use a flowchart

Flowcharts are used in a variety of different contexts and industries. It doesn’t really matter what sector you or your business operates in – a flowchart can be used to help understand processes and operations easily.

Here are a few real-life examples where flowcharts can be effectively employed:

When designing and planning a process

Coming up with a new process requires you to document the steps and sequential events of the process. Using a flowchart helps document this process and improves the understanding of the process as a whole.

To study a process for better understanding

Hundreds of flowchart examples online have been used by businesses to complete and understand complex processes. You can study these flowcharts to better understand how your company should be sequencing actions and events to reach an end product or goal.

To communicate a process

In many companies worldwide, sending out detailed flowcharts can completely replace long and time-consuming meetings. Flowcharts are easy to understand and provide a visual document of a process. They are extremely effective communication tools.

In computer programming

In the world of coding, flowcharts play a crucial role. They act as guides that ensure your code journey is clear, logical, and efficient. Whether you're designing algorithms, troubleshooting, or conceptualizing software architecture, a well-crafted flowchart is an invaluable companion.

In learning environments

Flowcharts are an excellent tool for educators to transform complex theories into digestible visual nuggets. From breaking down historical timelines to explaining scientific processes, they simplify the learning experience. Flowcharts aid students in navigating the intricacies of knowledge, making it an interactive guide rather than just a tool.

Streamlining manufacturing

In the meticulous world of manufacturing and engineering, precision is of utmost importance. Flowcharts act as blueprints, outlining the step-by-step journey of a product from conception to realization. They ensure seamless execution and a streamlined production cycle, from assembly lines to quality control processes.

Charting success strategies in Marketing teams

Sales and marketing rely on strategy and planning. Flowcharts are the strategic canvas that delineates sales pipelines, marketing funnels, and decision-making processes. Visualizing these intricate webs of interconnected steps allows teams to align efforts, identify bottlenecks, and chart a course towards success.

Flowchart examples

Before jumping into Miro's online flowchart tool, consider these flowchart examples as a point of reference. The following are examples of the versatility and helpfulness of a flowchart.

Website flowchart

Building a website is much more complex and complicated than many think. Building navigational menus, organizing content, and customizing a website’s appearance are a few important steps needed to create an online site that people will want to visit. This website flowchart template provides a robust process diagram to create a great user-centric online experience.

Decision tree

No matter what industry you’re in, there are plenty of different outcomes your business could face based on your decisions. The butterfly effect of your decisions means you need to think about all possible outcomes and the results they could have on your company. This decision tree flowchart template will show you how to map out different decisions and their outcomes so that you can decide on the best possible route.

Cross-functional flowchart

Most flowcharts are cross-functional in that they account for different possible outcomes. Swimlane diagrams are especially cross-functional because they help visualize business contributions and end-to-end project relationships. This cross-functional flowchart template will help you understand the elements and relationships between the different phases of a project.

Process flowchart

Optimizing workflows is an ongoing pursuit in any industry. The process flowchart plays a crucial role by detailing each step, decision point, and connection in a visual roadmap, from manufacturing processes to project management workflows. It helps identify bottlenecks, improves efficiency, and ensures seamless operations.

Algorithm flowchart

An algorithm flowchart is a visual representation of the series of actions that form an algorithm. It simplifies complex processes and improves comprehension, illustrating how a specific algorithm works in troubleshooting, optimizing, or communicating processes. You can think of it as a blueprint guiding you through the logical flow of your algorithm, facilitating the transition from problem to solution.

Yes No Flowchart

When making decisions for project planning and execution, using a yes-no flowchart template can help visualize and streamline the process. These flowcharts allow people and teams to easily map out binary decisions and actions using graphical representations.

Product development flowchart

Developing a product can be complex. A clear and organized workflow is crucial. This product development flowchart template acts as a visual roadmap, guiding teams through various stages from ideation to completion. It streamlines and improves the entire product development process, enabling more efficient collaboration.

Types of flowcharts

Before you create a flowchart, you need to decide which type of flowchart is best for the process you want to illustrate. There are hundreds of different flowchart types, each with its unique uses and results. Below are four of the most common and useful flowcharts.

A process flowchart is the most basic of all flowchart types. They are often used to map new projects and operations. Engineers and software developers often use process flowcharts to map progress and understand the steps they need to take to complete a project.

Swimlane flowchart

The swimlane flowchart was aptly given its name as it visually represents a process with no true start or end. Instead, the processes and actions of people who fall into a swimlane diagram are those which go in laps and are completed more than once. Using a Swimlane Diagram Template you can map out a process that needs to be repeated and prevent a sequence from getting messy.

Data flow diagram

Data flow diagrams are used to bridge the communication gap between developers and users of a program or piece of software. This flowchart type is specialized as it contains a substantial amount of information and relatively few flowchart symbols. Miro’s Data Flow Diagram Template makes it simple to visually show the steps or actors of any system, no matter how complex.

Workflow diagram

When using a workflow diagram , the goal is to map out an effective sequence of events or processes that will result in a consistent and quality output. Workflow diagrams are often used to map out a standardized set of procedures with a determinable outcome.

Flowchart symbols

Standard shapes and symbols are used in most flowchart drafting. Each symbol represents a different element or steps within a sequence or process. Use the following flowchart shapes to draft an effective process.

An oval in a flowchart represents the terminal. This indicates the starts and stops within a sequence.

Parallelogram

The parallelogram indicates an input or output.

Rectangles indicate actions.

Diamonds indicate decisions that need to be made. These usually result in two alternative pathways based on the decision taken.

Flow lines and arrows represent the directions taken in the sequence.

How to create a flowchart

Now that you understand where and when to use flowcharts and why they are important visual tools, it’s time to learn how to make one. Miro's flowchart maker is a fantastic tool for building and planning comprehensive flowcharts with your team. Using the tool, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Know the purpose of your flowchart

Before you start creating your flowchart, you need to understand why you’re making a flowchart in the first place. Write down the goals and results you want your flowchart to depict and identify the processes you want the diagram to explain. Be mindful of trying to achieve too many goals in one flowchart. It’s best to keep your flowchart as simple as possible to make it easily comprehensible. If you find yourself trying to achieve too much in one diagram, consider making more than one flowchart for each process or group of information.

2. Use a flowchart template

Using a basic flowchart template can help you understand how to plot your processes and give you a strong starting point before you start adding your symbols. Starting with a template saves you time and comes with standardized flowchart symbols.

If you need something more complex, Miro has a large collection of flowchart templates you and your team can use.

3. Add flowchart shapes

Take another look at the flowchart symbols and shapes discussed above and start building your visual process. Identify the different components within your sequence and add the appropriate shapes to create a good workflow.

4. Connect shapes with lines and arrows

The next step is adding the connecting lines and arrows to sequence the chosen events and symbols.

5. Collaborate on your flowchart

If your flowchart depicts a process that affects others, share your flowchart with the relevant people. Inviting your team to collaborate with you on your flowchart ensures everyone is on the same page. With Miro, team members can provide feedback and make suggestions with comments and sticky notes, all within one virtual space. This contextual collaboration is what will help your team finalize a useful, clear flowchart that’s helpful for everyone.

6. Keep your flowchart up to date

Systems and processes are constantly changing, so the flowcharts depicting these processes also need to change. Keep your flowchart up to date by regularly revisiting your flowchart and making the necessary changes. Having an online flowchart in Miro makes it easy to make updates and improvements to your flowchart and track these changes.

Tips to consider when creating a flowchart

You’re well on your way to starting your flowchart drafting journey. All that’s left is to go through a few tips and best practices for building the perfect flowchart.

Keep your flowchart on one page

An important characteristic of flowcharts is that they need to be easily readable and understandable. You don’t want to flip through pages to see the entire process. Keeping it to one page keeps it simple and streamlines the visualization.

Use consistent symbols, shapes, and colors

Staying consistent with the symbols and shapes used in your flowchart will help keep the entire process aligned and easy to understand. Each symbol needs to represent a different element within the process. If you use a variety of different symbols, it will be difficult to read and understand the progress of the process. Consistency is key when creating an understandable visual process.

Know the purpose of your flowchart before creating it

As explained above, this is an essential step in creating your flowchart. Flowcharts are best used to represent a specific process. This helps keep the diagram focused.

Flow data from left to right

Flowcharts should flow in the same direction that we read and write. This will help keep the flowchart structure simple and easy to understand.

Get everyone involved

It’s more than likely that the flowchart you’ve created is going to impact other people on your team, especially if it’s a business process flowchart. Rather than creating several flowcharts for the same system, involve the people on your team who are a part of the process. With Miro, you can easily share your flowchart with collaborators anywhere via Slack, email, or private link.

Make relevant changes as needed

It’s no good having a flowchart that’s out of date and inaccurate. In fact, this could cause confusion and inaccuracies, which could, in turn, cause some serious problems for your team. As your system or process changes, ensure you keep your flowchart up to date with the latest steps and information. If your team is using your flowchart documentation on a regular basis, then it’ll be easier to keep it current. Alternatively, schedule meetings during which you can reassess all your team’s flowcharts and make the necessary changes.

Discover more

Flowchart symbols and their meaning, how to make a flowchart in 5 simple steps, data flow diagrams vs flowcharts, data flow diagrams: all you need to know, flowchart rules for collaborative success, mastering the sales process flowchart, how to create a cross-functional flowchart, diagramming examples, get on board in seconds, plans and pricing.

Transform teamwork with Confluence. See why Confluence is the content collaboration hub for all teams.  Get it free

• The Workstream
• Project management
• Process Flow Chart

Process flow chart: what it is & how to create one

Browse topics.

Keeping your business organized can be a tall order — especially as it grows. Process flow charts are one way to organize business processes by visualizing the steps of a process or workflow . As you dive deeper into the individual steps of a process, you can discover opportunities to improve teamwork and productivity.

Visualizing processes with a flowchart can help you organize important details and improve your operations. As you develop your process flow chart, you can discover non-value-added processes and optimize your workflow.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what a process flow chart is and how you can create one for your business. Keep reading to learn more.

What is a process flow chart?

Process flow charts are a way of visually organizing your workflow. They use different shapes connected by lines, each representing an individual step.

A process flow chart aids in project management by helping you outline and visualize your workflows. An example could be a chart showing how you process and fulfill customer orders from the moment an order is placed to delivery.

Importance of process flow charts

Visualizing your workflow allows you to understand your project scope better so you can plan your project based on your goals and deadlines.

Having a clear visual representation of your processes helps improve teamwork and keep everyone on the same page. This way, everyone can understand your business processes from start to finish and the role they play in those processes.

Creating a flow process chart can improve productivity by weeding out non-value-added activities. You have ample room to grow and improve if you’re not wasting precious time on unnecessary steps.

Types of flow charts

There are several types of flow charts, each serving a different purpose. You can learn more about some of the different flow charts below:

• Basic flow chart: Simple flow charts are ideal for visualizing basic steps without many complexities or details.
• System flow chart: System flow charts show how every part of a system interacts with the other parts.
• Workflow diagram: Workflow diagrams visualize steps or processes required to complete a project, which can help you minimize waste.
• Data flow chart: Data flow charts show how data moves throughout your system and other connected systems.
• Decision flow chart: These flow charts play a vital role in the decision-making process , answering simple questions to arrive at a final decision.
• Swimlane flow chart: Swimlane flow charts allow you to visualize who’s responsible for each part of a process or project, whether that’s an individual or a group.

Components of a process flow chart

Process flow charts have a few key symbols used to contextualize the information in the chart. Different symbols are used for different steps within a process flow chart with connecting lines in between.

Different shapes and symbols—including diamonds and rectangles—are used for each process or step, with lines connecting the symbols. Different types of lines denote the beginning and end of the flow chart, and directional arrows indicate the flow direction of the chart.

Visualizing information with flow charts can play a crucial role in project planning , and it’s easy once you understand what the symbols represent.

Steps to create a process flow chart

Creating a process flow chart isn’t rocket science, but there are some basic guidelines you need to follow. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create your next process flow chart.

Identify the process

Start by clearly defining the process or workflow you’re going to outline. Choosing which projects to visualize and optimize is critical to strategic planning . Once you have a good idea of what you want your flow chart to represent, you can start building it out.

Define boundaries

When it comes to process flow charts for businesses, you can always add more details or break a process down further by adding more steps. However, when creating a flow chart, you only want to include the necessary details.

Figure out the scope and boundaries of your flow chart before you start fleshing it out. That way, you’ll avoid wasting time adding information that complicates the main objective. Details are good, but you don’t want to go overboard.

Gather information

This is where knowledge sharing comes into play. Now, it’s time to collect detailed information about the steps, inputs, and outputs contributing to the process. Ensure you track the process from start to finish to avoid missing crucial steps.

Identify the sequence of steps

Now that you know the steps involved in the process you’re outlining, you can put them in the correct sequence to start organizing your flow chart. Your flow chart should move in one consistent direction from beginning to end, with each step bringing you closer to completing the process.

Draw the flow chart

With process flow charts, the individual steps only tell part of the story—you need to connect them to tell the whole story. Complete your flow chart by using symbols and connectors to connect individual steps and create an accurate visual representation of the process from start to finish.

Review and revise

Once you’ve organized and drawn everything out, review your flow chart to ensure it’s accurate, complete, and clear. If there are any issues, you can revise your flow chart.

Reviewing and revising is a never-ending battle. Even after completing a flow chart, you must review and update it regularly to ensure accuracy. Make sure to reflect any changes in your flow charts as they occur.

Uses of process flow charts

A good process flow chart can provide several benefits for businesses. Here are some of the common uses of process flow charts:

• Process improvement: Visualizing processes helps you understand how to optimize them, saving you time and money.
• Training and onboarding: When you clearly understand your training and onboarding process, you can streamline it and ensure everyone receives the same training.
• Communication: Flow charts can help you identify communication gaps in different project stages to keep everyone on the same page.
• Documentation: Using visuals helps everyone follow documentation best practices — from project documentation to team documentation.
• Compliance and quality assurance: Creating a step-by-step visual representation of a process helps you identify potential compliance or quality assurance issues before it’s too late.

Best practices for creating effective process flow charts

An effective flow chart can help you optimize business processes and improve productivity and project collaboration . Here are some guidelines to follow to ensure you’re doing it right.

Keep your process flow chart simple. Focus on adding key steps and information only.

Using consistent symbols and connecting lines adds clarity to your process flow charts, making it easier to collaborate with your team and boost productivity. You can even involve stakeholders in the process.

Once your flow chart is complete, there’s still work to do. Updating and maintaining flow charts helps you keep a constant visualization of the processes that your business relies on.

Create process flow charts with Confluence Whiteboards

Process flow charts can offer several benefits for businesses, improving productivity and teamwork while eliminating unnecessary steps. With Confluence Whiteboards, you can visualize and turn ideas into tasks.

Confluence brings everyone together in a connected workspace to move projects forward. Teams can create, edit, and share project plans in a connected workspace so everyone is on the same page.

Confluence flow chart templates make it easy to create effective flow charts quickly, plus you can convert stickies into Jira issues with a few clicks.

Use Confluence Whiteboards to visualize your workflow and optimize your business with process flow charts.

Process flow chart: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a process flow chart.

A great process flow chart example is product delivery. You can use a process flow chart to visualize the delivery of a product from the moment the customer contacts you to the moment you finish the job. The first step may be the customer contacting you (or vice versa), eventually leading to the point where you fulfill the order, and the customer receives an email letting them know their order arrived.

You can use process flow charts for almost anything, including manufacturing, service delivery, product delivery, and project management processes.

What tools can you use to create process flow charts?

Confluence allows you to create process flow charts that visualize your business processes accurately. Confluence is easy to use, and you can start with a flow chart template so you don’t have to do all the work. Once you’ve chosen a template, you can add individual steps and symbols to clarify the chart. Confluence also integrates seamlessly with Jira and various third-party tools.

How often should process flow charts be updated?

If you modify a workflow or process outlined in a flow chart, update the chart accordingly. Flow charts don’t provide much value if they’re inaccurate, and you probably add or remove steps from various processes and workflows more than you think. You should regularly review and update your process flow charts to ensure they continuously add value to your business.

You may also like

Project poster template.

A collaborative one-pager that keeps your project team and stakeholders aligned.

Project Plan Template

Define, scope, and plan milestones for your next project.

Enable faster content collaboration for every team with Confluence

Copyright © 2024 Atlassian

Skip to main content

• Contact sales
• Get started Get started for free

Figma Design

Design and prototype in one place

Collaborate with a digital whiteboard

Translate designs into code

Figma Slides

Co-create presentations

Explore all Figma AI features

Get the desktop, mobile,
and font installer apps

See the latest features and releases

• Design systems
• Prototyping
• Wireframing
• Online whiteboard
• Team meetings
• Strategic planning
• Brainstorming
• Diagramming
• Product development
• Web development
• Design handoff
• Engineering
• Product managers

Organizations

Creator fund

Build and sell what you love

User groups

Join a local Friends of Figma group

Learn best practices at virtual events

Customer stories

Read about leading product teams

Shortcut: The Figma blog

Stories about how products take shape—and shape our world

Get started

• Developer docs
• Best practices
• Reports & insights
• Resource library
• Help center

17 types of flowcharts and when to use them

Whether you're figuring out complicated workflows, mapping out how systems interact, or showing the order of important events, flowcharts are the perfect tool for making sense of scattered information. These versatile diagrams help illustrate the steps in a process or actions within a system.

Since there are so many scenarios you’d want to organize information, there are also many different types of flowcharts. This post will cover:

• 17 types of flowchart diagrams
• Key characteristics of basic flowcharts
• Flowchart FAQs
• FigJam ’s collection of flowchart templates

Map your flowchart with a free template today

Type 1: process flow diagram.

Best for: outlining steps and decisions in a process

Process flow diagrams, or process maps , visualize the step-by-step sequence of tasks in a process. This type of flowchart shows every step in a project, providing important details like timelines, resources, and teams needed to complete each step. Process flow diagrams are commonly used in engineering, business management, and product design to streamline project planning.

Try this process map template to get started.

Type 2: Workflow diagram

Best for: illustrating and refining team workflows

A workflow diagram visualizes the steps in a business process. Each step maps out the tasks or actions an employee or team must complete to finalize the process. Its simple design makes it easy to refine existing workflows or guide new hires through a new process.

Outline or rework your process with this workflow diagram template .

Type 3: Data flow diagram

Best for: explaining how data moves through a process or system

A data flow diagram (DFD) helps you understand how data flows through a system. A DFD simplifies complex processes by breaking them down into interconnected bubbles and arrows, creating a visual representation of how data moves and changes. For instance, a software developer might employ a DFD to map how user input is processed within a software system.

Map your information flow with this data flow diagram template .

Type 4: Swimlane flowchart

Best for: explaining how different teams work on cross-functional processes

Swimlane diagrams display how different roles approach steps in a shared process or workflow. Each “lane” in this diagram type represents a different role or department, showing who's responsible for each step. Swimlane flowcharts can be used by teams, project managers, and leadership to improve communication and drive a project forward.

Define who does what and when with this swimlane diagram template .

Type 5: Decision tree diagram

Best for: identifying inefficiencies, challenges, and opportunities for process improvement

Decision tree diagrams help you analyze options and ideas by illustrating possible outcomes of different decision-making paths. By guiding you through a series of yes-no questions, decision tree diagrams help identify how specific business decisions could unfold.

Start mapping your choices with this decision tree diagram .

Type 6: System flowchart

Best for: showing how external inputs get processed in a system

A system flowchart, also known as a software flowchart, outlines data flow and how external inputs influence decisions. It uses shapes and arrows to map the order of operations, making it easy to track data paths and process connections. For example, a software developer might use a system flowchart to visually map the interactions between different modules in a software system.

Diagram how your complex systems work with this system flowchart template .

Type 7: Document flowchart

Best for: important forms requiring multiple approvals

Document flowcharts outline the necessary steps and people involved in approving a document. These flowcharts detail the steps, departments, and people needed to draft, review, and sign the document before it is considered final.

Chart your document flows with this document flowchart template .

Type 8: Product flowchart

Best for: manufacturing or supply chain management teams

A product flowchart shows how a product moves from creation to delivery, outlining key stages and decisions. It helps visualize the flow of materials and tasks as they go through different stages in the production process.

Stay on top of development with the product flowchart template .

Type 9: PERT chart

Best for: ensuring projects stay on schedule and meet deadlines

A project evaluation review technique (PERT) chart breaks down a project’s tasks and dependencies in order according to a timeline. This type of flowchart helps your team meet objectives and milestones and stay on track at every stage.

Project managers can use PERT charts to allocate resources and stay ahead of potential issues, making sure projects stay on schedule and meet their deadlines.

Sequence the order of tasks for your teams with the PERT chart template .

Type 10: Use case flowchart

Best for: visualizing user experiences within a product or system

Use case flowcharts offer a detailed view of the user journey within a system or product by breaking down user interactions and mapping actions to outcomes. This visualization helps designers create user-centric experiences during development.

Try this use case flowchart template to see how users interact with your system.

Type 11: Event storming flowchart

Best for: mapping the requirements needed for a program or process to work

Event storming flowcharts visually outline simple sequences of events needed to make a program run. They give high-level overviews of key players and processes — making them great for brainstorming, communicating ideas, and getting feedback before, during, and after a project.

Start storming with this event storming flowchart template.

Type 12: Customer journey flowchart

Best for: charting the flow of customer interactions leading to a conversion

Customer journey flowcharts illustrate the steps a customer takes from discovering your brand to making a purchase. It’s a visual story that helps you evaluate two things:

• How effective marketing is in attracting users
• The website’s ability to convert visits into sales

For example, product teams may use this flowchart to better understand customer touchpoints and interactions. This could be helpful for brainstorming better processes, like onboarding, for your customers.

Enhance user experiences with a customer journey map template .

Type 13: Production flowchart

Best for: organizing the steps between customer orders and order deliveries

A production flowchart traces the steps between customer orders and fulfillment. This flowchart highlights the relationship between design work, material production, reviews, and shipping to reveal how a business meets customer demand. Project managers and leaders can use this template to refine core workflows involving an entire business.

Manage orders, production, and deliveries with the production flowchart template .

Type 14: Logical model flowchart

Best for: diagramming the inputs, processes, and outputs leading to process outcomes

A logical model flowchart maps the planning, implementation, and assessment of a business initiative or process. It notes inputs, outputs, and the tasks between them. Beyond documenting operations, logical model charts go a step further to detail the long-term outcomes of the process, highlighting what it tries to accomplish and how well it meets that goal.

Optimize your process outcomes with a logical model flowchart template .

Type 15: Code flowchart

Best for: charting how a program or block of code functions

Code flowcharts diagram the processes within a program or set of code. Like user stories, you can map how user inputs trigger internal processes to produce an output. The diagram also makes room for branching decisions based on a program’s conditions for giving an output. Reviewing the code flow on this chart helps shape tighter, better-performing programs in software development.

Break down complex programs with the code flowchart template .

Type 16: E-commerce flowchart

Best for: mapping an e-commerce website’s sales pipeline

E-commerce flowcharts give an overview of your internet sales pipeline. The diagram lets you map your website’s pages and user interactions. You can then adjust how users select items and make purchases to streamline sales and optimize billing processes.

Streamline your online sales process with the e-commerce flowchart template .

Type 17: Website flowchart

Best for: diagramming website architecture

A website flowchart maps the structure of your web architecture. Designers can review how pages connect and change web structure to improve the user experience. You can also title the boxes to share page names for search engine optimization. This flowchart is a great starting point for teams building a new website or those considering a website redesign.

Improve your web design with the website flowchart template .

5 key characteristics of a flowchart

What are the characteristics of a flowchart?

Distinct from mind maps and similar diagrams, every basic flowchart gives a sense of growth and change. Instead of allowing room to brainstorm themes and related ideas, flowcharts focus on illustrating how concepts and workflows progress through different steps. In general, flowcharts include these key elements:

• Start and end points. One or more start and end points linked to a core idea, system, or process.
• Substeps and processes. These guide readers through the entire process or flow, from the beginning to the end.
• Directional arrows. These indicate the sequence of steps, providing a clear, visual order.
• Decision points. Decision points break charts into multiple directions, allowing for different outcomes.
• Flowchart symbols. Standardized flowchart symbols represent specific actions within a system or process.

Flowchart FAQ

Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about flowcharts.

What are the four most common types of flowcharts?

The process flowchart, workflow diagram, data flowchart, and swimlane diagram are the most popular types of flowcharts.

When can you use a flowchart?

Teams can use flowcharts to:

• Document complex processes and brainstorm refinements.
• Share how a process or system works with stakeholders and other teams.
• Organize teams for specific tasks in a process.
• Identify bottlenecks and workflow issues.
• Standardize processes, especially in software engineering.
• Check progress during development.
• Outline business process modeling (BPMN), information systems, and manufacturing processes.

What are the rules for flowchart design?

Flowcharts follow specific rules to effectively convey data flow or actions. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Clearly begin flowcharts at a defined starting point.
• Include endpoints to represent the end of a process or system output.
• Connect flowchart symbols with arrows for clear direction.
• Keep text concise and to the point.
• Ensure the flow of steps follows a logical order.
• Use standardized symbols to prevent confusion.

Collaborate on flowcharts with FigJam

FigJam makes the most of every diagram regardless of the flowchart type you want to use. FigJam is a shared online whiteboard that allows you to seamlessly collaborate at any distance and make new flowcharts on the fly. With FigJam’s flowchart templates, your team can:

• Save time with premade standardized symbols for flowcharts
• Easily share flowcharts with observation and prototyping modes
• Make adjustments to flows and share notes in real time

Are you ready to begin diagramming? Try FigJam to improve collaboration.

Keep reading

What is a UML diagram

UML diagrams can help you plan complex systems and processes.

How to create a swimlane diagram

Swimlane diagrams give flowcharts an extra-informative superpower.

What is a fishbone diagram

Use a fishbone diagram to help you solve problems by understanding what’s causing them.

We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Manage Cookies

Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.

Show cookie providers

• Google Login

Functionality Cookies

These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.

Performance Cookies

These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.

• Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.

• Google Tag Manager
• Infographics
• Daily Infographics
• Popular Templates
• Accessibility
• Graphic Design
• Graphs and Charts
• Data Visualization
• Human Resources
• Beginner Guides

Blog Graphic Design 21+ Flowchart Examples for Business Use

21+ Flowchart Examples for Business Use

Written by: Jennifer Gaskin May 17, 2023

Process flowcharts can be used to visualize the steps in a process, organize the flow of work or highlight important decisions required to complete projects.

These amazing flowchart examples with their many use cases may help you apply the format to tackle problems in your organization.

Once you’ve gotten a bit of inspiration, head over to Venngage’s Flowchart Maker to begin creating engaging and effective flowcharts for your organization. We offer hundreds of engaging, fully customizable flowchart templates that are easy to edit.

Click to jump ahead:

• Flowchart examples  

What is a process flowchart?

How do i make a flowchart with venngage, 21 flowchart examples.

Process flowcharts can come in many types and styles, but the basic format created by the Gilbreths a century ago remains the most popular.

If you’re planning to create a flowchart but not sure where to begin, here are some sample ideas to get you started.

Health and safety flowchart example

Keep your team safe in the event of inclement weather or another urgent situation with a health and safety flowchart.

For flowcharts that will apply to all members of the team, be sure you’re not using lingo that folks may not know. (This version also has the added benefit of being a cross-functional flowchart— more on that later .)

Flowcharts are particularly useful in implementing new procedures or training team members on your existing ones, as in the sample flowchart below.

This example applies to a finance department, but it could be adapted for any other industry or process.

Decision flowchart example

Let’s take a closer look at some process flowchart examples.

Some process flowcharts will be organized in a decision format, while others will follow a workflow.

There’s no one right way to do it, so it’s often a good idea to experiment with the format to get the best result.

The flow of information in this process flowchart is guided by the arrows, and there’s no need for the reader to make any decisions along the way.

On the other hand, this process flowchart is simple but requires the reader to make many decisions until they reach their logical conclusion.

Process flow diagrams example

Process flowcharts are sometimes referred to as flow diagrams. The term diagram may be more appropriate in technical fields like programming or engineering. Regardless of the terminology used, charts and diagrams serve the same purpose in organizing and visualizing a process flow.

Related :  How to Diagram a Business Process [Process Diagramming Templates]

Let’s take a look at some examples of process flow diagrams.

This process flow diagram was designed to assess the level of risk team members assume based on their jobs within the organization.

This flow diagram was designed for troubleshooting, but it could apply to any process flow in which the reader will need to make a series of choices, and can be used for both internal and external communications.

Here’s an example of a process flow diagram designed with customer service in mind. It’s easily customized for any job, especially those that deal with clients, customers or members of the public.

Workflow diagram example

Whether you’re dealing with new employees or you’re instituting a new policy that your existing team members will need to master, workflow diagrams can be helpful.

Workflow charts and workflow diagrams are useful in any industry, even one as familiar as food service. After all, everyone is new to a workflow when they first begin.

This workflow diagram example introduces a new student to the various offices they’ll need to know to be successful. It’s easy to customize this example to ensure that new team members get the lay of the land quickly.

As this workflow chart example illustrates, workflow charts do not have to be vertical to be effective. In fact, creating a horizontal workflow diagram is better in some cases, as it may be more intuitive.

Simple flowchart example

We’ve touched upon this already, but flowcharts do not necessarily require a complex structure with questions and answers. Some of the most effective flowcharts are also the most simple.

This simple, easy-to-read flowchart focuses on varying levels of risk in an organization. But it could be modified to organize information across teams or departments in any business.

Consider creating flowcharts for your team members to solve common problems. This simple flowchart is about troubleshooting a computer issue, but it could be customized to apply to any of the repeated issues your team has with systems or processes.

Related:  What is a Problem-Solving Flowchart & How to Make One

Website flowchart example

One of the first industries to fully embrace flowcharts was the computer programming industry. Flowcharts continue to remain popular among programmers, designers and developers. They can aid with troubleshooting or even organizing content on a website.

This flowchart example covers troubleshooting server problems to ensure a website remains up and running.

Website flowcharts are often referred to as site maps. Site maps are critical tools for visualizing all the content and the structure of a website.

Cross-functional flowchart example

Process flowcharts are at their best when they are organizing complex and potentially confusing information. Often, that means ensuring the flow of information across departments in an organization and detailing who is responsible for which task.

This cross-functional flowchart shows the departments or teams impacted at the top. When creating a cross-functional flowchart, it’s best to err on the side of a subdued color palette, as these types of flowcharts and process diagrams can become confusing.

We mentioned this flowchart earlier as a great example of a simple approach. That’s particularly notable considering that it’s also cross-functional thanks to the color-coded key distinguishing which teams or individuals will need to make each decision.

Circular flowchart example

Many processes are circular in nature, meaning they repeat themselves again and again. That’s why it’s useful to have a circular process flowchart template to visualize repeating processes.

Use a circular flowchart like this one to visualize the steps a lead takes to become a regular customer or, as this one does, visualize the revenue cycle of a doctor’s office.

Here we see a slightly different approach to a circular flowchart. In this case, the content is similar, but the circle takes on a pie chart shape.

Fun flowchart example

While flowcharts are excellent tools for internal communication and organization, they are also popular among the general public. Pop culture, sports and lifestyle are all topic areas that lend themselves to flowcharts in content marketing or other external communications.

Help readers determine if they’re ready to buy a house with a fun process flowchart like this one. This type of content is useful for organizations in real estate, transportation, home design and more.

While flowcharts are known for their utility, they can also just be pure fun like this one. You can customize this fun flowchart for internal communications or resize it to use for social media.

Use a process flowchart to engage in the cultural debate. And bonus points if you can be extra snarky with it, like this example that went viral on social media a few years ago.

A process flowchart, also known as a process flow diagram, is a type of flowchart that illustrates the steps involved in the completion of a task or process. In a process flowchart, various shapes and symbols represent different components of the process.

Flowchart software can be particularly useful in creating and customizing these diagrams efficiently.

The most commonly used flowchart shapes include:

• Parallelograms.

The invention of the flowchart can be traced back to husband-and-wife researchers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, who in the early 1920s developed what they called a process chart to diagram and improve workflows.

Process flowcharts soon caught on across many industries, particularly in computer science.

IBM used flowcharts to help engineers with early computer programming. Flowcharts have evolved along with businesses’ needs, and modern flowcharts can cover just about any area.

They can improve decision-making, allow for visualization of processes or help organize the flow of information.

One of the most popular uses for flowcharts is to make decisions. Even when the topic is flowcharts themselves like in this example, the basic structure of a decision flowchart is simple and clear.

Process and decision flowcharts can take on serious issues like this one that covers a disciplinary process. Similar to the previous example, lines and color variation are crucial aspects to ensuring the flow is obvious.

Some flowcharts are designed to focus on information organization. This sales pipeline flowchart example illustrates the steps involved in turning a lead into a sale, and the funnel-style flowchart keeps this complicated process on track

Related :  12+ Organizational Chart Examples and Templates

Venngage’s Flowchart Maker is simple and easy to use. Within 5 simple steps, you can create dazzling flowcharts to organize your team and keep your projects on track. No design experience required.

Step 1: Sign up for a free Venngage account

You can sign up with your email, Gmail or Facebook account.

Step 2: Select a flowchart template from our templates library

Aside from the ones we’ve shared above, we also offer hundreds of flowchart templates that are easy to edit even if you have no design skills.

Step 3: Start editing your flowchart

Most of our templates are created with the simple drag-and-drop editor that lets you design in minutes, even if you have no design skills.

We’re also rolling out new smart templates with the smart diagram editor which makes it easy for you to add new nodes/branches to your flowcharts.

You can add, edit, delete or drag nodes, texts, icons around in one click, and the node will automatically adjust to whatever content you add to it as well.

Step 4: Liven up your flowchart with icons, illustrations and branding elements

We offer over 40,000 icons and illustrations for you to visualize any information you want on your flowchart.

If you upgrade to a Business account, you can enjoy My Brand Kit —the one-click branding kit that lets you upload your logo and apply brand colors and fonts to any design.

Step 5: Share a public link for free or upgrade to download

Once you upgrade, you can download your flowchart in PNG, PDF, Interactive PDF or PowerPoint format—if you want to use it for your presentation.

Use process flowcharts to simplify your business communications

Explaining how things get done in your organization only goes so far. People are visual creatures, and visualizing processes, procedures, workflows and more through flowcharts can help make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

Organize your team, improve existing workflows, devise new ways of doing things and more with flowcharts using Venngage’s Flowchart Maker . Start creating your own flowchart for free, no design skills required.

Discover popular designs

Infographic maker

Brochure maker

White paper online

Newsletter creator

Flyer maker

Timeline maker

Letterhead maker

Mind map maker

Ebook maker