Flowchart (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what a flowchart is, its characteristics, types and what it is for. Also understand how to make one and examples.

A flow chart represents each specific step of a process.

What is a flowchart?

The flow chart, also called an activity diagram or flowchart, is a diagram that represents a process or procedure indicating all its steps, tasks or stages sequentially.

To graphically represent the order of the steps, activities or actions of an event or procedure, flowcharts consist of two fundamental elements:

Symbols. They are geometric figures that represent each step or decision. For example, there is a specific symbol for the start and another for the end of the process.
Arrows or lines. They are those that connect the symbols of each step or decision to indicate the path of the process.

Flowcharts are used to organize, evaluate or rethink sequences of activities and processes of different kinds, such as projects, activities, training, planning or business or institutional procedures. Therefore, they are often used in disciplines such as programming, computing, economics, finance, industrial processes, and even cognitive psychology.

Characteristics of a flowchart

A flowchart is:

Synthetic. By using symbols and arrows, it summarizes all the tasks of a procedure or process, which in a text would be explained with many steps.
Simple. It can be prepared quickly and is easy to understand, because it provides a lot of information with few elements.
Versatile. It can represent many processes from various areas, such as product manufacturing, decision making, instructions or educational content.

Continue with: Diagram

What is a flowchart for?

Flowcharts can be used in different fields to:

Inform how a process is carried out. They are used to describe and explain how algorithms, computer programs, applications, websites, the manufacturing or distribution of a product, advertising campaigns, the organization of an institution, among others, work.
Design different types of processes. They are used in the planning stage, to diagram what a process that you want to implement in the future will be like. Therefore, they can be used in companies, institutions, advertising campaigns. marketingscientific research, computer projects, among others.
Analyze different types of processes. They serve to examine processes that are already being carried out with the aim of solving problems, improving procedures and completing different tasks more efficiently.
Explain theoretical processes. They are used in different subjects to explain mathematical, logical, biological, historical, literary processes, among others. For example, they can be used as support in a biology class to describe the functioning of the digestive system.
Organize the tasks of a work or research team. They are used to determine what activities should be done, when, and in what order. Additionally, you can indicate who must perform each step.
Verify that tasks are being completed. They can be used by the person in charge of a process to verify that the activities are being carried out sequentially.

Symbology of a flowchart

The main conventional symbols used in flowcharts are:

Flowchart Types

There are four types of flowcharts depending on how they are represented:

1. Horizontal flow chart

The horizontal flowchart is used to represent the stages of a process from left to right. Tasks and decisions are noted in different geometric figures and connected by arrows.

2. Vertical flow chart

The vertical flow diagram is used to represent all the stages of a process, from top to bottom. It is shaped like a box.

The activities are placed in the first column, each in a row. In the first row, symbols are placed that indicate the nature of each activity. A line is then drawn joining the activities to show the flow of the process.

3. Panoramic or block flowchart

The panoramic flowchart is used to represent all the activities of a process, but grouping them into blocks. Each block is located within a column and the process is represented in a similar way to the horizontal flow chart, although other symbols can be used.

4. Architectural or geographic flowchart

The architectural flow diagram is used to represent the activities of a process, indicating the places where each one occurs, since it is drawn on a simplified plan.

Flowcharts according to their theme

Furthermore, in relation to its theme, there are different types of flow charts. Some of them are:

Process flow diagram. It is used to represent the activities or tasks of a process. It is usually drawn as the vertical flow diagram.
Decision flowchart. It is used to represent all the activities of a process, but it includes steps that represent decisions, because you have to choose between two options. It is usually drawn as the horizontal flow chart.
Product flow chart. It is used to indicate all the activities necessary to manufacture a product. It is usually drawn like the horizontal flowchart, but provides more information.

How to make a flowchart?

To make a flowchart, you can follow a series of steps:

Determine an objective or the process that you want to represent. In the event that a project is being designed, the general objective or final goal must be determined. If you want to represent another type of process, you must have sufficient information.
Establish what the tasks are. A list must be made that indicates the activities to achieve an objective, or all the actions or steps of the process.
Indicate the order of tasks. Tasks must be organized according to their sequence.
Classify tasks. It must be indicated what type of task each one is: whether it is the beginning, the end, a process, a decision, an entry or an exit.
Make the diagram. The diagram must be represented by hand or on an electronic device. To do this, all the tasks must be written in their order, assigned a symbol and joined with arrows, indicating the sequence.
Review the diagram. It must be verified that all steps and their sequence are correct.

Flowchart Examples

Flow chart for purchasing shoes:

Flowchart for using a printer:

See also:

Flowchart Advantages

Flowcharts have a number of advantages:

They allow us to simplify the representation of very complex processes, because they show them graphically with few elements.
They facilitate communication in presentations and explanations, because you can see the complete sequence of a process.
They can be applied to represent any process that has sequential steps.
They adapt to different levels, because you can use more or fewer symbols to make them more or less complex.
They are done in a few steps and in a short time.

History of the flowchart

The flow chart was invented in 1921 by Frank Gilbreth, an American engineer, with the aim of using it in engineering processes. Starting in 1930, this diagram began to be used in companies and businesses, with the aim of improving production and making the organization of companies more efficient.

Over time, flowcharts began to be used in other disciplines. First of all, in computing, to design programs and operating systems. Then, in other areas, such as administration, marketing and education.

In addition, variants of the first models and the symbols used began to emerge. Computer programs were also developed that allow this type of diagrams to be made in a simple and versatile way.

References

Calderón Umaña, S. and Ortega Vindas, J. (2009). Guide to creating flowcharts. State Modernization Area.
The curious history of flowcharts. (April 25, 2022). Yucatan Newspaper. https://www.yucatan.com.mx/
Patiño Martínez, FY; Torres Londoño, CI and Chica Sosa, P. (2023). Preparation of basic flowcharts (Generation of printed content No. 17). Cooperative University of Colombia Editions. http://dx.doi.org/
Sáenz Fuentes, BE and Martínez Hernández, LM (2014). Flowcharts. In LM Martínez Hernández, PE Ceceñas Torrero and VC Ontiveros Hernández (Coords.), Mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts and diagrams. Durango Network of Educational Researchers.