Flowchart: what it is, types and free tools to create it

Have you ever wondered how giant companies like Google or Amazon keep everything organized? The answer may be simple: a flowchart.

But what exactly is a flowchart?

And how to use free tools to make one?

In this article, we’ll explore all of this. We’ll talk about what a flowchart is and its types.

We'll also look at free tools for creating clear diagrams.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to understand how flowcharts can help with complex processes.

Main Points

• Clear definition of what a flowchart is.
• Explanation of the different types of flowcharts.
• Accessibility through free tools to create flowcharts online.
• Practical benefits of using flowcharts in different sectors.
• How tools like Gliffy, LucidChart, and Draw.io make it easy to create flowcharts.

What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a graphical representation that shows the steps of a process.

It is used in various areas to understand complex processes.

Helps identify steps and make decisions faster.

This diagram uses geometric shapes for actions and arrows for flow.

The concept of flowchart was created by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth in 1921.

In 1947, ASME established a symbol system for flowcharts.

To use process diagrams help to understand complex processes better.

This improves decision making. Software engineers and developers use flowcharts to track projects.

There are several types of flowcharts, like the Flowchart of Swimlane and Data Flow Diagram.

Each one has a specific purpose.

Standardizing symbols makes it easier to use flowcharts in different contexts.

Author	Contribution	Date
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth	Introduction to the concept of flowchart	1921
ASME	Creating standardized symbols for flowcharts	1947
Kaoru Ishikawa	Considered flowcharts as one of the main quality control tools	1970s

Main Symbols Used in Flowcharts

Flowcharts are essential tools in process diagramming.

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They use standardized symbology to help better understand and communicate between teams.

Let's see the main ones flowchart symbols and what they mean.

There are 17 flowchart symbols common, defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

These symbols are essential for visualizing the workflow. They also help you find ways to improve a process.

See a table with the most used symbols and what they mean:

Symbol	Meaning
Rectangle	Represents a specific step in the process.
Diamond	Indicates a decision that reflects the next step in the flow.
Oval	Symbolizes the beginning or end of the workflow.
Arrow	Defines the direction and order of the flow, paying attention to the tip.
Cylinder	Indicates structured data storage.
Document	Represents the input or output of specific documents, such as reports or emails.
Perforated Paper	Although rare, it symbolizes a disused physical document.
Circle	Connects flowchart elements to another page or section of the document.
Trapezoid	Emulates manual data entry.
Parallelogram	Denotes input or output of information in the process.
Predefined Process	Represents operations previously determined in another location.
Manual Operation	Steps that need to be performed manually.
Connector	Used to connect scattered elements on the same flowchart page.
Sum Join	Indicates the point of convergence of multiple flow paths.
Internal Storage	Data stored in the internal memory of a system.
Delays	Used to mark delays in a process.

Understand the meaning of symbols in flowcharts is crucial for efficiency in process diagramming.

These symbols not only help you see the workflow.

They also help find ways to improve and facilitate communication between the team.

What are the Most Common Types of Flowcharts?

There are several types of flowcharts, each for different purposes.

Knowing about them helps you choose the best one to improve efficiency and process visualization.

O process flowchart is one of the most important. It shows the steps of an operation, from beginning to end.

In industries, it can reduce the waiting time between steps by up to 20% and make the workflow clearer.

O decision flowchart focuses on choices and their outcomes.

It is very useful in critical situations such as customer screening.

Using it correctly can reduce operational errors by up to 35%.

Documentation flowchart is essential for creating detailed records.

It is used to show the movement of documents between departments.

This helps identify internal controls and improves collaboration by up to 25%.

Flowchart Type	Application	Benefits
Process Flowchart	Maps the steps of an operation	Reduces waiting time by up to 20%
Decision Flowchart	Maps choices and developments	Reduces errors by up to 35%
Documentation Flowchart	Shows document movement	Improves collaboration by up to 25%

Choosing the right flowchart type is crucial.

The wrong choice can decrease efficiency by up to 15%.

So think about the purpose, target audience, and complexity of the process when choosing.

How to Create an Efficient Flowchart?

To create an efficient flowchart, it is important to understand the process you want to map.

You must identify all important steps and decisions.

And, of course, represent them clearly and logically.

Here are some tips for doing this:

1. Define the Objectives: Before you start, it is essential to know what you want to achieve. This helps to define the interrelationships and the expected results.

2. Identify Participants: It is important to know who is part of the process. This avoids delays and lack of commitment.

3. Choosing the Right Type of Flowchart: There are several types, such as Block Diagram and Functional Flowchart (Swimlane). Each one is used for different situations.
Suggested Types:

• Block Diagram – Ideal for simple processes.
• Simple Process Flowchart – Good for moderately complex processes.
• Functional Flowchart (Swimlane) – Best for complex processes with multiple units.

4. Correct Use of Symbols: Use standardized symbols for actions, decisions, and connections. This makes the flowchart easier to understand.

5. Keep it Simple: Avoid using too many colors and fonts. Use up to three colors, such as green for the beginning and red for the end.

6. Review and Adjustment: Once finished, review with the team.

This helps to improve and ensure that everything is correct.

According to statistics, 66% of respondents say that clear processes help a lot in sales.

And 61% believes that a well-trained team is essential.

To make efficient flowcharts, use tools like Lucidchart.

It helps with alignment and provides easy-to-use features.

Remember, making a flowchart effectively improves processes and facilitates communication.

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Benefits of Flowcharts in Companies

Flowcharts bring many advantages of flowchart for companies.

They help standardize processes and train staff. They also identify where there are repetitions or slow points.

A big benefit is the clarity they bring. It helps everyone understand the work better.

And it allows you to find and remove unnecessary steps, improving communication.

Additionally, flowcharts help to better organize activities.

They define the work steps efficiently.

This makes the team work better, saving time and resources.

Using flowcharts also helps you analyze problems better.

They use symbols to show actions and decisions.

This helps to better understand complex problems, saving time and money.

The idea of using flowchart in the corporate environment started in 1921.

Since then, different types of flowcharts have been created.

They help identify problems and improve communication between teams.

Finally, flowcharts help to optimize processes.

This makes the team work better and more efficiently.

They also improve internal communication, increasing the company's chances of success.

Flowchart in the HR Department

In the Human Resources department, the HR flowchart is essential.

It helps to organize the HR processes such as recruitment and training. These visual charts make everything clearer and more efficient.

They ensure that everyone follows the same path. This improves human resource management.

See the advantages and uses of flowcharts in HR.

Process Type	Description	Benefits
Recruitment	Mapping of all stages from job description to candidate selection.	Avoid mistakes and oversights Clear comparison of candidates
Onboarding	Integration of the new employee with the company's culture and policies.	Accelerates employee adaptation Greater clarity of expectations and responsibilities
Training	Programming activities for the development of skills and competencies.	Structured training planning Improved employee performance
Performance Evaluation	Systematic process for evaluating employee performance.	Continuous feedback Identification of development needs

Free Flowchart Maker Tools

Flowcharts are essential for improving processes and visualizing data across multiple industries.

There are several free tools that make creating flowcharts easy and intuitive.

Canva, Lucidchart and Google Docs are some of the best known.

O Lucidchart It's great for create flowchart online. Offers hundreds of free templates, including flowcharts.

The free version allows you to create up to 3 flows with up to 60 shapes each, perfect for small teams or individuals.

It also has advanced features that improve the clarity and functionality of flowcharts.

Canva is famous for its graphic design options. It also has free flowchart pages.

Their templates are easy to use and attractive, allowing you to create professional flowcharts without any design experience.

The easy interface and customization options make Canva a practical choice.

Google Docs is also an effective tool.

It uses the “Google Drawings” feature to help create flowcharts.

Ideal for those who use Google Docs, it allows real-time collaboration.

It is a practical and affordable option for those who need a free flowchart tool.

Tool	Strengths	Limitations
Lucidchart	Access to free templates, real-time collaboration, data linking	Limit of 3 streams in the free version
Canva	Visually appealing templates, intuitive design	Less focused on technical flowcharts
Google Docs	Integration with the Google ecosystem, easy collaboration	Fewer flowchart-specific features

Conclusion

Flowcharts are powerful tools for understanding processes in any field.

They help identify improvements, facilitate training and increase efficiency.

This is all thanks to the graphical representations they offer.

Using flowcharts helps map processes and define responsibilities. This promotes more efficient management across different sectors.

They are essential for organizing and optimizing activities.

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One flowchart summary shows that they help avoid errors and reduce costs.

They also optimize time on tasks.

Thanks to ANSI standardization, companies can clearly visualize processes.

This facilitates the integration of new employees and improves communication between departments.

Process documentation, done with flowcharts, is crucial.

It prevents the loss of important information and improves customer and employee satisfaction.

Remember to review your process documents at least once a year.

With free creation tools, anyone can benefit.

This leads to continuous improvements and increases organizational efficiency.