Flowcharts show the sequence of steps in a process.

How it works

There are two types of symbols

• a square/rectangle (for an action)
• a diamond (for a decision)

Arrows join the symbols together

• squares may have only one arrow coming out of them
• diamonds always have exactly two arrows coming out of them - a "yes" and a "no"
• there can be as many arrows coming into a symbol as necessary

The flowchart can go across or down the page

• using post-it notes makes it easier to relocate symbols as you are developing the flowchart
• once you are sure of how the flowchart goes, there are software packages available to chart them. Try ABC Flowcharter or PowerPoint.
• flowcharts are also called
  • process maps
  • work flow diagrams
  • process charts
  • process flows
  • work flows

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