Business Process Flowchart Symbols
Business process modeling (BPM) and Business process flowcharts and maps are widely used in the corporate world as an excellent tool which can speak, lets visually represent and explain complex business processes of an enterprise, and showcase decisions on a single piece of paper.
The business process flowchart symbols used for business process mapping are predefined by Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and actually have their roots in the data processing diagrams and programming flow charts. The BPMN standard notation serves as a common language for business process design and implementation. Thanks to it your Business Process Maps and Flowcharts are easy understandable by all business analysts who create and refine the processes, technical developers who implement them, and also business managers who monitor and manage them.
The ability to create professionally designed Business Process flowcharts, maps and diagrams, clearly define the business processes in terms of inputs and outputs, generate attractive SIPOC diagrams is provided by powerful ConceptDraw's Business Process Mapping solution.
Pay special attention for 3 libraries developed and included in Business Process Mapping solution. A wide selection of ready-to-use predesigned vector stencils included to them let effectively evaluate and manage quality in a work process chain, placing the main emphasis on corporate performance and optimization:
- Business Process Flowcharts library contains 22 process flow symbols
- SIPOC Diagrams library contains 19 stencils
- Swim Lanes library contains 12 cross-functional flowchart symbols
Example 1. Business Process Flowchart Symbols
According to the type of diagram you want to draw, use the objects from the corresponding library. Add the elements to the diagram by dragging them from the library to the document page.
Example 2. SIPOC Diagrams Symbols
Start drawing SIPOC Diagrams and Business Process Swim Lanes Flowcharts with ready-to-use Sipoc matrix object and Swim lanes objects from the corresponding libraries.
Example 3. Swim Lanes Stencils
The flowchart symbol names in parentheses are common alternates for a given shape. Sometimes a flowchart shape can have more than one meaning, as with the Circle shape, which depicts a jump node in flow charts and inspection point in business process mapping. Other times, there are just multiple names for the same flow chart symbol — such as Terminator and Terminal Point.
| Symbol | Shape Name | Symbol Description |
| Process / Operation Symbols | ||
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Process | Show a Process or action step. This is the most common symbol in both process flowcharts and business process maps |
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Predefined Process | A Predefined Process symbol is a marker for another process step or series of process flow steps that are formally defined elsewhere. This shape commonly depicts sub-processes (or subroutines in programming flowcharts). If the sub-process is considered “known” but not actually defined in a process procedure, work instruction, or some other process flowchart or documentation, then it is best not to use this symbol since it implies a formally defined process |
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Alternate Process | Outside Sources As the shape name suggests, this flowchart symbol is used when the process flow step is an alternate to the normal process step. Flow lines into an alternate process flow step are typically dashed |
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Delay | The Delay flowchart symbol depicts any waiting period that is part of a process. Delay shapes are common in process mapping |
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Preparation | As the names states, any process step that is a Preparation process flow step, such as a set-up operation |
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Manual Operation | Manual Operations flowchart shapes show which process steps are not automated. In data processing flowcharts, this data flow shape indicates a looping operation along with a loop limit symbol |
| Branching and Control of Flow Symbols | ||
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Flow Line (Arrow, Connector) | Flow line connectors show the direction that the process flows |
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Decision | Indicates a question or branch in the process flow. Typically, a Decision flowchart shape is used when there are 2 options (Yes/No, No/No-Go, etc.) |
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Connector (Inspection) | Flowchart: In flowcharts, this symbol is typically small and is used as a Connector to show a jump from one point in the process flow to another. Connectors are usually labeled with capital letters (A, B, AA) to show matching jump points. They are handy for avoiding flow lines that cross other shapes and flow lines. They are also handy for jumping to and from a sub-processes defined in a separate area than the main flowchart Process Mapping: In process maps, this symbol is full sized and shows an Inspection point in the process flow |
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Merge (Storage) | Flowchart: Shows the merging of multiple processes or information into one.
Process Mapping: commonly indicates storage of raw materials |
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Extract (Measurement) | Flowchart: Shows when a process splits into parallel paths. Also commonly indicates a Measurement, with a capital ‘M’ inside the symbol. Process Mapping: commonly indicates storage of finished goods |
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Or | The logical Or symbol shows when a process diverges - usually for more than 2 branches. When using this symbol, it is important to label the out-going flow lines to indicate the criteria to follow each branch |
| Input and Output Symbols | ||
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Data (I/O) | The Data flowchart shape indicates inputs to and outputs from a process. As such, the shape is more often referred to as an I/O shape than a Data shape |
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Document | Pretty self explanatory - the Document flowchart symbol is for a process step that produces a document |
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Multi-Document | Same as Document, except, well, multiple documents. This shape is not as commonly used as the Document flowchart shape, even when multiple documents are implied |
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Display | Indicates a process step where information is displayed to a person (e.g., PC user, machine operator) |
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Manual Input | Manual Input flowchart shapes show process steps where the operator/ user is prompted for information that must be manually input into a system |
| File and Information Storage Symbols | ||
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Stored Data | A general Data Storage flowchart shape used for any process step that stores data |
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Magnetic Disk (Database) | The most universally recognizable symbol for a data storage location, this flowchart shape depicts a database |
Take also benefit from the ConceptDraw's RapidDraw technology and Action feature, they allow to simplify the laborious process of business modeling and give you ability to focus on your objectives, and help create your Business Process flowcharts and maps as quickly as possible.
To activate the RapidDraw mode, use the Rapid Draw button on the Shape toolbar and add the next objects using the RapidDraw arrows, which pop up when you bring the mouse cursor over the object.
Example 4. Use of RapidDraw Mode
To modify the selected object using its action's menu, click the Action button in its upper right corner and apply the suitable commands.
Example 5. Vertical Swim Lanes Object's Action Menu
It is convenient to start drawing Business Process Flowcharts with predesigned templates and eye-catching inspiring samples developed by professionals, which you can find in ConceptDraw STORE.
Example 6. Business Process Flowchart Solution
Use this variety of business process flowchart symbols from the libraries of Business Process Mapping Solution for ConceptDraw PRO Business Mapping Software and also collection of Business Process Maps, Flowcharts, Swim Lanes Diagrams and SIPOC Diagrams, and template from ConceptDraw STORE to create your own professional looking diagrams of any complexity quick, easy and effective.
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TEN RELATED HOW TO's:
Flowchart Software
Describing a workflow or approval process can take hours and be too complicated, especially since there are options to do it quickly and vividly. Diagrams called flowcharts replace long paragraphs of boring text and represent information in a graphic way. You can draw one on paper or you can use flowchart software to do it quickly and scalable. This kind of software is easy to use and you don’t need any special skills to start using it. In addition, there are a lot examples and predesigned templates on the Internet. Flowcharts are a best tool for staking out a huge and complex process into some small readable parts. Surely, flowcharts can be drawn manually but the use of standard symbols that make it clear for a wide audience makes a software tool preferred for this task. The core for a successful flowchart is its simplicity. That is why often before beginning making flowchart through software, people draw the sketch on a piece of paper. Designing an effective flowchart means the combination of the data needed to be shown and the simplicity with which you depict it.
Picture: Flowchart Software
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Process Flowchart
When trying to figure out the nature of the problems occurring within a project, there are many ways to develop such understanding. One of the most common ways to document processes for further improvement is to draw a process flowchart, which depicts the activities of the process arranged in sequential order — this is business process management. ConceptDraw PRO is business process mapping software with impressive range of productivity features for business process management and classic project management. This business process management software is helpful for many purposes from different payment processes, or manufacturing processes to chemical processes. Business process mapping flowcharts helps clarify the actual workflow of different people engaged in the same process. This samples were made with ConceptDraw PRO — business process mapping software for flowcharting and used as classic visio alternative because its briefly named "visio for mac" and for windows, this sort of software named the business process management tools. This flowchart diagram shows a process flow of project management. The diagram that is presented here depicts the project life cycle that is basic for the most of project management methods. Breaking a project into phases allows to track it in the proper manner. Through separation on phases, the total workflow of a project is divided into some foreseeable components, thus making it easier to follow the project status. A project life cycle commonly includes: initiation, definition, design, development and implementation phases. Distinguished method to show parallel and interdependent processes, as well as project life cycle relationships. A flowchart diagram is often used as visual guide to project. For instance, it used by marketing project management software for visualizing stages of marketing activities or as project management workflow tools. Created with ConceptDraw PRO — business process mapping software which is flowcharting visio alternative or shortly its visio for mac, this sort of software platform often named the business process management tools.
Picture: Process Flowchart
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Material Requisition Flowchart. Flowchart Examples
A requisition form is one of the documents used for accounting in different manufacturing processes. There are two main types of requisition: a purchasing requisition and material requisition and difference between them is significant. Creating a flowchart might help you in understanding all the details of accounting process. Flowcharts are a best visual method for dividing a large and complicated procedure into a several little clear pieces. The main value-ability of an effective flowchart is its simpleness. Material requisition flowcharts are used to document the process of relationships between the different departments and the purchasing department within an organization. The flow chart gives the step-by-step guide on how is carried out the procurement process of the materials necessary for the functioning of the organization. This type of flowchart along with many other business flowcharts, one can easy create using ConceptDraw Flowcharts solution.
Picture: Material Requisition Flowchart. Flowchart Examples
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Cross-Functional Flowchart
There are many tools to manage a process or to illustrate an algorithm or a workflow. Flowcharting is one of those tools. However, it may be difficult to show complex processes that require multiple attributes or several people in a simple flowchart, so a cross-functional flowchart would be a solution for that situation. To create such flowchart, group processes and steps to labeled rows or columns, and divide those groups with horizontal or vertical parallel lines. It is worth mentioning that there are different types of cross-functional flowcharts, like opportunity or deployment flowchart. This diagram shows a cross-functional flowchart that was made for a trading process. It contains 14 processes, distributed through 5 lines depicting the participants who interact with the process. Also there are connectors that show the data flow of information between processes. The cross-functional flowchart displays a detailed model of the trading process, as well as all participants in the process and how they interact with each other. The lines in the flowchart indicates the position, department and role of the trading process participants.
Picture: Cross-Functional Flowchart
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Types of Flowchart - Overview
A flowchart is a powerful tool for examining processes. It helps improving processes a lot, as it becomes much easier to communicate between involved people, to identify potential problems and to optimize workflow. There are flowcharts of different shapes, sizes and types of flowchart vary from quite basic process flowcharts to complex program flowcharts. Nevertheless, all these diagrams use the same set of special symbols like arrows to connect blocks, parallelogram to show data receiving or rectangles for showing process steps. Basic flowcharts are used to represent a simple process algorithm. A basic flowchart notation consists of rectangles (business processes), arrows (the flow of information, documents, etc.). The same notation is used in items such as the "decision", which allow you to do the branching. To indicate the start of the entire business process and its termination can be used the "Terminator" element. The advantages of Basic Flowchart are simplicity and clarity. With it you can quickly describe the business process steps. Creating of Basic Flowchart does not require any special knowledge, as easily understand by employees with different levels of education and IQ.
Picture: Types of Flowchart - Overview
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Create Flow Chart on Mac
Times when you had difficulties in searching for an appropriate software depending on your OS, had passed. If you still look for a great software to create flowcharts on Mac, here is the answer. ConceptDraw Pro is a great tool for creating diagrams, with tons of samples, libraries and tutorials. Making flowchart diagram is the best way to represent a process as a sequence of steps. Flowcharting provides a simple way of organizing and representing data so that even complex and detailed processes become clear. That is why using a flowchart software tool is proven to be an ideal for structure and share an information on process workflow structure. This flow chart was created to depict the steps of certification process. This flow chart was created using ConceptDraw PRO software for Apple OS X. The Rapid Draw technology was used to create this flow chart. ConceptDraw PRO also supports popular Apple OS X features such as Quick Look, Full-Screen Mode, Version Browsing and Autosave. You can export your multi-page diagrams to SVG or graphic formats such as TIFF, JPEG, PNG and PDF.
Picture: Create Flow Chart on Mac
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Basic Flowchart Symbols and Meaning
While creating flowcharts and process flow diagrams, you should use special objects to define different statements, so anyone aware of flowcharts can get your scheme right. There is a short and an extended list of basic flowchart symbols and their meaning. Basic flowchart symbols include terminator objects, rectangles for describing steps of a process, diamonds representing appearing conditions and questions and parallelograms to show incoming data. This diagram gives a general review of the standard symbols that are used when creating flowcharts and process flow diagrams. The practice of using a set of standard flowchart symbols was admitted in order to make flowcharts and other process flow diagrams created by any person properly understandable by other people. The flowchart symbols depict different kinds of actions and phases in a process. The sequence of the actions, and the relationships between them are shown by special lines and arrows. There are a large number of flowchart symbols. Which of them can be used in the particular diagram depends on its type. For instance, some symbols used in data flow diagrams usually are not used in the process flowcharts. Business process system use exactly these flowchart symbols.
Picture: Basic Flowchart Symbols and Meaning
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Business Process Modeling with ConceptDraw
Business Process Modeling Notation -BPMN- is a set of standard symbols that allow you to create a graphical view of a business process. The symbols were developed to help users develop standard, unified structure of processes, and any messages shared between these processes. This is business process improvement tools.
Picture: Business Process Modeling with ConceptDraw
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Business Process Flow Diagram
Business Process Flow Diagram is a graphical presentation of business processes and process flows. It is one of the main tool of business analysis and business process re-engineering that lets identify and easy understand process flows within organization. ConceptDraw PRO extended with Business Process Workflow Diagrams solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is a powerful software which lets easy design Business Process Flow Diagram of any complexity.
Picture: Business Process Flow Diagram
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Pyramid Chart Examples
When we think of an hierarchy, we intuitively imagine a pyramid. Thus, a lot of management tools use pyramid charts as examples or illustrations of various documents or models. You can create any type of triangle diagram using ConceptDraw PRO. A triangle (pyramid) diagram is often used in marketing to show the data hierarchy. This pyramid diagram represents the Top Brand Model. It illustrate the model of rebranding strategy. It can be used by marketing agency dealing with rebranding strategies development. It’s critical for marketing diagrams to be both clear and eye catching. ConceptDraw Pyramid diagrams solution meet all these requirements and can be successfully applied for creating and presenting various marketing pyramidal diagrams.
Picture: Pyramid Chart Examples
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