How to Create a Process Flow Chart

Main process:
Sub process: Preventive Activities

1. General

See Eltek Terminology list in Elvis for description of a process flow chart.

2. Introduction

A documented process flow chart helps the reader to understand the systematic flow of information.

The steps must always match the steps in the corresponding procedure.

The basic element of a flowchart is a simple action and is represented by a box containing a
description of the action. The mapping of "what follows what" is shown with arrows between
sequential action boxes. This also shows the boxes for the flow chart's start and end points in which
there are normally one for each.

The ideal size for a process flow chart is one A4 page, as this gives a single visual picture that is
reasonably easy to understand. Large processes can be broken down into a hierarchical set of
smaller process flow charts by representing a lower level process as a single sub-process box.

3. Getting started

Use Eltek’s standard process flow chart template:

http://elvis2.elasp.ad/sites/EMS/Global/Pages/default.aspx

Most people prefer reading horizontal flow charts rather than vertical, so always start with the A4
horizontal template to begin with and change to another format/size only if necessary.

Document no.: HOWTO_071

Version number: 1
Date: 2015-03-31 This document is valid on print date only
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 How to Create a Process Flow Chart
Main process:
Sub process: Preventive Activities

Use Eltek’s standard flow chart symbol set as much as possible.

The steps must always match the steps in the corresponding procedure.

4. Prepare the process flow chart

Step 1 : Identify all the roles that are needed to support your process and create the
corresponding swimlane(s).
 Find your roles in the Eltek role catalogue to get the correct title.
 If you wish to create a new role, avoid any delays by getting role approval before you go
further.

Step 2 : Define the process input

 Draw a 'start' box in the input column.
 Do not add a ‘previous process’ reference.
 If the input includes a document, that can be shown as a link to the input.

Step 3 : Clearly define each step in the process. Be accurate. It may help to
complete the big picture before filling in the details.

 Add the first box after the start box, identifying the first action simply by asking, "What happens
first?".
 Add subsequent boxes afterthe previous box, identifying each action by asking, 'What happens
next?'. Draw an arrow from the previous box to this one.
 Use only single words or short text
 Do not add multiple tasks in one box (i.e. avoid “And”, “Or”, “As Well”, “Including”).
 Start each task with a verb.
 Do not use bridges on the lines

Document no.: HOWTO_071

Version number: 1
Date: 2015-03-31 This document is valid on print date only
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 How to Create a Process Flow Chart
Main process:
Sub process: Preventive Activities

Example of Eltek process flow chart (simplified):

Layout tips :
 Where possible, locate the decision output text above and/or to the right of the line it represents.
 Try to keep the task boxes and the decision boxes the same size and proportional

Beware that processes often go wrong around decisions, as either the wrong question is being asked
or the wrong answer is being given.

Step 4 : Add a Process flow chart title

- Title is to include the EMS Process reference number

Step 5 : Update the author/preparer and preparations details.

- Do not add the approver name at this stage.

5. Review
a. Identify time lags and non-value-adding steps.
b. Circulate the flow chart to other people involved in the process to get their comments.
c. Brainstorm for problems in the process.

Flow charts don not work if they are not accurate or if the team is too far removed from the process
itself. Team members should be true participants in the process and feel free to describe what really
happens. A thorough flow chart should provide a clear view of how a process works.

Document no.: HOWTO_071

Version number: 1
Date: 2015-03-31 This document is valid on print date only
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 How to Create a Process Flow Chart
Main process:
Sub process: Preventive Activities

6. Publish
a. When the process flow chart is ready to be used as part of a the Eltek Management
System, it needs to follow the approval process which is described in GPRO_100 Control
of documents in Eltek Management System.

REFERENCES:

GPRO_100 Control of procedures

HOWTO_070 How to Write a Procedure

GFORM_334 Document implementation check list

Eltek Terminology list in Elvis

There are many useful guides to writing a good process flow chart on the Internet (search for ‘process
flow chart’ or ‘process diagram’.

Document no.: HOWTO_071

Version number: 1
Date: 2015-03-31 This document is valid on print date only
Prepared by: hehvno Print date: 06 Oct 2020 Page 4 of 4