8 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

Flow charts use a widely recognised set of symbols and conventions to document a process, this makes them easy to read and a useful early step in BPM.

For example flow charts are often used to provide a snapshot of current processes which can then be analyzed for process improvement.

[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

These Flow Charts were created for real world projects.

Raise Purchase Order Process

flowchart example raising a purchase order

This is for raising purchase orders for project related costs. It includes key checks of the supplier list and PO system and includes authorisation by the project manager.

Service Request - Call Flow Chart

Example Flow Chart for a Service Request process

This flow chart documents a call handling process for a service request. The service request could be for anything and starts with a customer contacting a call-center agent, with activities and key decision points shown.

Distribution Process Flow Chart

Flow Chart for a Distribution process - thumbnail

This flow chart documents a distribution process. The distribution was of a series of short books at the end of a research project. Although this was mapped for a specific project it is a good example of a cross functional flow chart which includes steps across two project phases.

Match Invoice Process

This flow chart documents an invoicing process, including attaching purchase orders and passing for authorisation. It is a good example of an incomplete flow chart as the logic/steps for rejecting an invoice are not shown.

Scrutiny Process

An example of a flow chart documenting a complex scrutiny /compliance process combined with a timeline. The process crosses multiple functions, using 'columns' to show the tasks between functions and 'rows' to show the actvities against a timeline. Some activities are given dates e.g. for review meetings. Annotations are also used to provide more detail on key tasks.