Understanding Process

Charts
"A Comprehensive Seminar on Visualizing Work Processes"
Introduction
Process charts are visual representations that depict the steps, activities, and
relationships within a workflow or process. They are used across various industries and
disciplines to provide a clear and systematic overview of how a particular task or series
of tasks is carried out. Process charts help in understanding, analyzing, and
communicating complex procedures in a simplified and standardized manner. There are
several types of process charts, each suited to different purposes.
● Flow Charts
● Gantt Chart
● Swimlane Diagram
● Value Stream Maps
● Pert chart
Importance of Process Charts
The importance of process charts in understanding and improving work processes
lies in their ability to provide a visual representation of complex workflows, making
it easier for individuals and organizations to analyze, optimize, and communicate
their operational procedures.
Clarity and Visualization
Process charts, such as flowcharts, Gantt charts, and swimlane diagrams, offer a
clear and visual representation of the steps involved in a workflow.
Visualizing the entire process helps individuals comprehend the sequence of tasks
and the interrelationships between different stages.
Importance of Process Charts
Communication

Process charts serve as a common language for teams and stakeholders,

facilitating effective communication.

They help bridge communication gaps by presenting information in a standardized

and accessible format, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
Importance of Process Charts
Communication

Process charts serve as a common language for teams and stakeholders,

facilitating effective communication.

They help bridge communication gaps by presenting information in a standardized

and accessible format, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
Importance of Process Charts
Identification of Bottlenecks

By mapping out the workflow, process charts make it easy to identify bottlenecks
or areas of inefficiency.

Recognizing bottlenecks allows for targeted improvements, streamlining

processes and enhancing overall productivity.
Importance of Process Charts
Process Optimization

Understanding the workflow through process charts enables organizations to

identify redundant steps and areas for improvement.

Continuous process optimization, informed by the insights gained from process

charts, contributes to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Importance of Process Charts
Quality Improvement

Process charts aid in maintaining and improving the quality of outputs by

highlighting critical checkpoints and quality control measures.

They provide a systematic way to monitor and manage quality throughout the
entire process.
Importance of Process Charts
Project Management

In project management, Gantt charts help visualize project timelines,

dependencies, and resource allocation.

This visual representation aids in planning, tracking progress, and ensuring that
projects stay on schedule.
Importance of Process Charts
Training and Onboarding

Process charts serve as valuable training tools, especially for new employees or
those unfamiliar with specific workflows.

They provide a structured overview, making it easier for individuals to grasp the
steps involved in their tasks.
Importance of Process Charts
Decision-Making

Well-constructed process charts assist in informed decision-making by offering a

comprehensive understanding of the workflow and its potential impacts.

Decision-makers can use this information to prioritize tasks, allocate resources

effectively, and implement changes strategically.
FLOW CHART
Understanding Process Charts
FLOW CHART
A flowchart is a visual representation of a process or system, using
standardized symbols and shapes to depict the sequence of steps, decision
points, and interactions within that process. It is a diagrammatic tool that
provides a clear and concise way to understand complex workflows and
procedures. Flowcharts are widely used across various industries and
disciplines, including business, engineering, software development, project
management, and more.
Shapes and Symbols
Oval: Represents the start or end of a process.

Rectangle: Denotes a process or activity.

Diamond: Represents a decision point, with branching paths based on conditions.

Arrow: Indicates the flow direction from one step to the next.

Parallelogram: Represents input or output (data, materials, or information).

Shapes and Symbols
Process: Customer Order Confirmation
Flowcharts are used for various purposes, including:

● Process Documentation: Illustrating the steps in a workflow or procedure.

● Process Analysis: Identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for
improvement.
● Algorithm Design: Representing the logical steps in an algorithm or program.
● Project Management: Planning and visualizing project tasks and
dependencies.
● Training and Communication: Conveying complex processes in an easily
understandable format.
GANTT CHART
Understanding Process Charts
Gantt Chart
Gantt chart is a visual representation of a project
schedule that illustrates the planned tasks, durations,
start and finish dates, and dependencies between tasks
over time. Gantt charts are widely used in project
management to provide a comprehensive and
easy-to-understand view of project timelines, progress,
and resource allocation.
Key features of Gantt charts include:
Bars and Timeline:
Tasks are represented by horizontal bars along a timeline, showing when each
task starts and ends.
The length of the bar corresponds to the duration of the task.
Task Dependency:
Gantt charts depict the dependencies between tasks, indicating which tasks must
be completed before others can begin.
Key features of Gantt charts include:
Milestones:
Important project milestones, representing key events or achievements, are often
marked on the Gantt chart.
Resources:
Resource allocation can be visualized by assigning different colors or symbols to
tasks associated with specific team members or resources.
Key features of Gantt charts include:
Progress Tracking:

Gantt charts allow for the tracking of actual progress against the planned
schedule.

Completed tasks can be shaded or marked, and any deviations from the original
plan can be easily identified.
SWIMLANE DIAGRAM
Understanding Process Charts
SWIMLANE DIAGRAM
A swimlane diagram, also known as a cross-functional flowchart or
swimlane flowchart, is a type of process flow diagram that organizes
information visually by categorizing it into "lanes" or "swimlanes." Each
lane represents a specific participant, department, or functional area
involved in a process, and the diagram illustrates how activities flow
between these entities. Swimlane diagrams are commonly used to depict
complex workflows and highlight the interactions and responsibilities of
different stakeholders within a process.
Key features of swimlane diagrams include:
Swimlanes

Horizontal or vertical divisions that separate different participants or functional

areas. Each swimlane typically represents a specific role, department, or entity.

Processes

Boxes or rectangles within the swimlanes represent individual tasks, activities, or

steps in the process.
Key features of swimlane diagrams include:
Arrows

Arrows indicate the flow of the process, showing the direction in which activities or
information move between the swimlanes.

Decision Points

Diamonds are used to represent decision points in the process, indicating where
different paths may be taken based on certain conditions.
Key features of swimlane diagrams include:
Interaction

Swimlane diagrams emphasize the interactions and handoffs between different

entities, providing a comprehensive view of how responsibilities are distributed.
VALUE STREAM MAPS
Understanding Process Charts
VALUE STREAM MAPS
A Value Stream Map (VSM) is a visual representation of the end-to-end
processes involved in delivering a product or service to a customer. This
tool is commonly used in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify,
analyze, and improve the flow of materials and information throughout an
entire value stream. The value stream encompasses all the steps, from raw
material acquisition to the delivery of the final product or service.
Key features of Value Stream Maps include:
Current State Map:
Represents the existing state of the value stream, detailing each step, process, and the
time it takes to complete each activity.
Differentiates between value-adding and non-value-adding steps.
Future State Map:
Envisions the ideal or optimized state of the value stream after improvements have been
implemented.
Identifies areas for streamlining, reducing waste, and improving overall efficiency.
Key features of Value Stream Maps include:
Process Boxes
Boxes or rectangles represent specific processes or steps in the value stream.
Different icons or shapes may indicate different types of processes (e.g., manufacturing,
transportation, inspection).
Inventory Icons
Triangles or rectangles represent various forms of inventory, such as raw materials,
work-in-progress, or finished goods.
Key features of Value Stream Maps include:
Information Flow:

Arrows indicate the flow of information, materials, and products throughout the value stream.

Lead Time and Cycle Time:

Lead time represents the time it takes for a product or service to be delivered from the beginning to the end of the
value stream.

Cycle time represents th

e time it takes to complete one cycle of a specific process.

Data Boxes:

Additional information boxes may include key metrics, production volumes, or other relevant data to provide context
and analysis.
PERT CHART
Understanding Process Charts
Program Evaluation and Review Technique

PERT, which stands for Program Evaluation and Review Technique, is a

project management tool used to plan and schedule tasks within a project.
PERT charts are network diagrams that visually represent the flow and
dependencies of various project tasks. They are particularly useful for
projects with a high degree of uncertainty, complexity, and interdependence
among tasks.
Key features of PERT charts include:
Nodes:
Nodes represent individual tasks or activities within the project. Each node is
labeled with the task name and estimated completion time.

Arrows:
Arrows connect nodes and represent the flow or sequence of tasks. The direction
of the arrow indicates the order in which tasks must be performed.
Key features of PERT charts include:
Event Points:
Circles or ovals, known as event points, represent milestones or key events in the
project. They are often used to mark the start and end of the project.

Estimation Times:
Each task is associated with estimated durations for optimistic, pessimistic, and
most likely scenarios. These estimates are used to calculate the expected time for
each task.
Key features of PERT charts include:
Critical Path:
The critical path is the longest path through the network and represents the
minimum time needed to complete the project. Tasks on the critical path have zero
slack or float time.

Float/Slack:
Float or slack time is the amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying
the entire project. Non-critical path tasks have float time.
**END**