Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Definitions

Glossary terms, history, people and definitions about Lean and Six Sigma

Flowchart

A flowchart is a type of diagram that shows the sequence of steps in a process using standardized symbols, with their order defined by connecting the symbols with arrows.

Common symbols include:

  • Ovals for start/end terminations
  • Rectangles for functions, tasks, operations, actions or processes
  • Diamonds for decisions with multiple outcomes (yes/no or approve/reject/review)
  • Parallelogram for inputs or outputs
  • Circles for connectors to different sections of a flowchart (multiple pages)
  • Arrows for direction or flow of the process

Flowcharts are often used in programming, engineering, and workflow analysis, with a focus on logic flow and decision points.

A process map is a broader term that can include flow charts but may also involve other elements like swim lane diagrams, inputs/outputs diagram, or high-level overviews like value stream maps or process flow diagrams.

Process maps can have a broader use, focusing on how work gets done, often with an emphasis on roles, integration with other systems, time, quality or efficiency.

The “flow process chart” was introduced by Frank Gilbreth and Lillian Gilbreth to members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 1921.

Flowcharts are considered one of the seven quality tools by Kaoru Ishikawa.

It is recommended to create a flowchart or process map before improving any process, in order to fully understand how the process currently works. This can sometimes identify the problem due to a change in process or gap from the preferred approach or standard.

Here is an example of a flowchart on how to withdrawal money from a cash machine:

Influences

Links