A business process flowchart details the work flow of a specific business operation within a company. This is accomplished by creating business process maps that show specific functional areas within a business. The flowchart is completed by creating a drawing of the steps required to finish a specific aspect of work within the company. Each process step should be represented with a rectangle figure that is followed by a connecting line, which defines the flow of the specific process.
There are many automation tools that can assist in the creation of a business process flowchart. These can be purchased commercially or freely downloaded from the Internet. The automation tool provides a method of capturing and retaining the flowcharts for future review.
The flowchart creation process does not require sophisticated software tools. Most documentation can be accomplished with average flowchart software. The flowchart will present the steps and tasks in a hierarchical format. The flowchart should document the complete process from the beginning to the end.
The business process flowchart should start with depiction of a specific process that a company performs. Creating flowcharts based on departments within the company can improve performance for each product or service within the company. After flowcharts for each department or function are created, additional flowcharts can be used to explain each element within the specific business unit.
An example of a business process might be an Internet sales company that uses a simple shopping cart application. The business process flowchart for this function would define how a consumer interacts with the shopping cart to purchase products. This flowchart would document each step of the shopping experience. These steps should include customer management, inventory, and financial management processes.
The business process flowchart should be designed to be used by other departments of a company. Each flowchart depicting a function of the company is a module that can be used by other departments within the company. This flowchart should explain a specific task at the smallest level possible.
Inventory management is an example of a specific flowchart. Inventory processes are used by customer sales systems, warehouse management, and assembly line manufacturing processes. By creating a flowchart for each process, the organization will have documented procedures on the function of the company.
The process flowcharts should be created by subject matter experts that understand the business. This ensures the flowchart will represent the activities that occur during normal business operations. Most business re-engineering efforts include the collaboration of business model experts with business subject experts.
