Flowchart

  A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or process, showing the steps and their order by connecting them with arrows. This representation sometimes illustrates a solution model to a given problem. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields.


What are the different types of flowcharts?

• Top-down flowchart
• Linear flowchart
  
• Swimlane
  

What are the shapes?
  Shapes are used to represent different decision points, process steps, functions, data or starts and stops.  


How do I create a flowchart?

• See the process at the gemba.
• Identify Steps in the process.
• Organize and make visual steps in the process.
• Check steps with process owners.
• Identify key points with opportunities to improve.

Challenge:
  Read the story below and build a flow chart.

1. Tim first starts his process by analyzing inventory against sales requirements.
2. He then must decide: do I have everything? 
3. If he has everything he can release the order to the shop floor.
4. If he does not have everything he must wait until a new order of inventory arrives.

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