FLOWCHARTING LESSONS

ON CHS

What is a flowchart?
A flowchart is a diagram that
uses graphic symbols to depict
the nature and flow of thesteps in
a process.
Is a diagram representing the
logical sequence in which a
combination of steps or
operations is to be performed

Basic Elements of a
Flowchart
A. Terminal/Terminator
B. Preparation/Initialization
C. Input/Output
D. Process
E. Decision
F. Arrowline/Flowline
G. Sub-Process
H. On-Page Connector
I. Off-Page Connector

 1. Terminator or Terminal
A terminator is represented by a small
rectangle with curved corners. A
terminator appears at the start and at
the end of a flowchart. The end
terminator appears only once on a
single flowchart.
2. Preparation/Initialization symbol used in the preparation and
assignment of variables and constants
on the program

3. Process
A process is represented by a
rectangle. It refers to an action in a
business process. This represents
data movement and arithmetic
operations.

4. Input/Output - This is the

flowchart symbol used to indicate the
entry of data in the program

5. Sub-process
A sub-process is represented by a rectangle
with double lines on each side.
A subprocess is a major process that could be
broken up into simpler processes developed
into another flowchart.

6. Decision
A decision is represented by a diamond. A
process that can answer a decision of "yes"
or "no" or True or False

7. Connectors
On-Page Connector A connector is
represented by a small circle and is
labeled using letters. A flowchart written
on a single page is clearer than a
flowchart on several pages. The correct
flowchart symbol for connecting a
A
flowline on the same page
Off-Page Connector A connector
represented by a small pentagon and
labeled with a letter. It refers to the
transfer of flow on another page. B

 8. Arrow Lines/Flow lines - Arrow

lines are drawn in one direction,
preferably from top to bottom, keep
a flowchart clear.

BENEFITS OF USING A FLOWCHART

1. Promote understanding of a
process.
A flowchart can help you gain
agreement about the sequence of
steps. One good flowchart can replace
pages of words.
2. Provide a tool for training
employees.
Because of the way they visually lay
out the sequence of process steps,
flowcharts can be very helpful in

3. Identify problem areas and

opportunities for process
improvement.
Once you break down the process
steps and diagram them, problem
areas become more visible. It is easy
to spot opportunities for simplifying
and refining your process by analyzing