Author: Pavel Ryvola | Updated:
What is a Flowchart and what is it used for?
A Flowchart is a graphical representation of individual process steps in their exact chronological order. Instead of reading lengthy procedures and text manuals, people can look at a simple map of nodes (steps) and arrows (sequential actions). Flowcharts also use internationally recognized shapes: an oval for start/end, a rectangle for a standard process step, and a diamond for decisions (e.g., YES/NO inspection).
Why is it used in a Quality Management System (QMS)?
- Standardization (SOP): Acts as a visual work instruction so operators and engineers perform tasks exactly the same way every time.
- Waste Identification: When mapping a process, you immediately spot unnecessary steps, dead ends, or excessive product movement between departments.
- Audits (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949): Our editor supports Swimlanes. The diagram automatically divides into columns based on responsible roles (e.g., Production, Quality, Logistics). An auditor can instantly see where responsibilities hand off.
Basic shapes (symbols) of a flowchart
| Shape / Symbol | Meaning and Usage |
|---|---|
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Terminátor
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Oval (Start / End): Defines the exact start and end of a process. Every diagram should have exactly one start and at least one end (e.g., 'Material Receipt', 'End of Shift'). |
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Proces
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Rectangle (Activity / Process): The most common symbol. Indicates a routine work step or operation (e.g., 'Load part into press', 'Fill out routing sheet'). |
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?
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Diamond (Decision): A point where the process branches (typically a YES/NO question). If the part is OK, the process continues; if NOK, it returns for rework (e.g., 'Is visual inspection OK?'). |
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Data
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Parallelogram (Input / Output): Represents data or material entering or exiting the process (e.g., 'Data entry into SAP', 'Delivery note'). |
Real-world example: Handling a nonconformity on the line
Imagine a visual inspection at the end of an assembly line. The operator picks up a part (Process - Rectangle) and measures the thread. A decision follows (Decision - Diamond): 'Is the thread within tolerance?'. If YES, the part goes to packaging (Process). If NO, the process branches into the red zone; the operator marks the NOK part, places it in the red scrap bin, and records the nonconformity in the information system (Data Input - Parallelogram).
Thanks to this clear diagram, it's impossible for a new operator to accidentally return a defect back into the process – the flowchart hanging directly at the workstation clearly shows that the arrow from the diamond (for a NO answer) leads uncompromisingly to the red scrap bin.
What's next?
Mapping processes using a flowchart is the first step to stabilizing them. Once you map a process, don't forget to verify its adherence in production. To do this, it is ideal to build checklists using our LPA Audit generator. If you collect measurement data, you can measure the statistical capability of the mapped process using the Cpk Calculator.