FLOW CHART
flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process,
system or computer algorithm
widely used in multiple fields to document, study,
plan, improve and communicate often complex
processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams
sometimes spelled as flow charts, use rectangles,
ovals, diamonds and potentially numerous other
shapes to define the type of step, along with
connecting arrows to define flow and sequence
ELEMENTS OF FLOWCHART
TERMINATOR – a terminator is represented by an oval. It is used to
depict. It is used to depict the start and end of the procedure or
system.
Process- is represented by a rectangle. It depicts an action in a
flowchart. It must be defined clearly and concisely.
Sub-process- -represented by a rectangle with double lines on each
side. It Is a major process that could be broken up into simpler
processes evolved into another flowchart.
Connector- A connector used in the same page is represented by a
small circle while a connector used for different pages is represented
by a small hexagon pointed downward.
Flow lines- are used to connect the symbols used in flowchart. The
flow should be from top to bottom and/or from left to right.
BENEFITS OF A FLOW CHART
promotes an understanding of a procedure or a
system by discussing the steps visually
Serves as a tool for training employees
Identifies problem areas and opportunities for
system improvement
Depicts customer-supplies relationship
Basic Symbols in Flowcharting
OVAL Indicates the start and end of the procedure or system
PARALLELOGRAM Represents an input and output of data
RECTANGL Indicates an activity or step
E
Shows a decision point such as yes or no/ true or false
DIAMOND
Shows the flow of the procedure
Connects particular step on the same page or
ON PAGE to a part of the flow chart
CONNECTOR
OFF PAGE
CONNECTOR Connects particular step to another page
Involves removal of one or more specific sets of items from
TRIANGL
a set.
E
RECTANGLE
WITH EDGES Represents a sub process or pre-defined process that leads to
ON SIDE another flowchart
PARTS OF A
FLOWCHART
START START OF PROGRAM
TAKE ONE
STEP STATEMENT BLOCK
FORWARD
LOOP
GONE 50 DECISION BLOCK
STEPS?
YES/NO (TRUE/FLASE)
START END OF PROGRAM
FLOWCHART STRUCTURE
Indicates a series of steps to be executed one after another .
1. SEQUENCE
STATEMENT 1
STATEMENT 1
STATEMENT 1
Used when there is a choice to be made about how to proceed
2. DECISION based on what the present condition of program data is or a project
of.
FALSE TRUE
CONDITIO
N
STATEMENT 1 STATEMENT 2
3. LOOP- used to indicate where a program or person
should repeat a certain steps until a condition is met.
STEP 1
FALSE
CONDITIO
N
TRUE
STEP 2
LEVELS OF FLOWCHARTING
1. MACRO LEVEL
• The top management may not require detailed
steps of the procedure.
2. MINI LEVEL
• A mini level flowchart falls between an overview
of the macro level and a fine detail of the micro
level.
3. MICRO LEVEL
• Micro level is a detailed representation of a system
or procedure .
LIMITATIONS OF FLOWCHART
COMPLEX LOGIC- when the system or program
becomes very complicated the flowchart becomes clumsy
and difficult.
ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS- if changes are
needed, redrawing the flowchart may become necessary.
The essence of what was done can easily be lost in
technical details.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOW CHART
COMMUNICATIOIN- flowcharts are a good way of conveying the logic of a
system to everyone involved.
EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS- problems in a system can be easily analyzed.
PROPER DOCUMENTATION- flowcharting serves as a better program for the
system documentation.
EFFICIENT CODING – flowcharts act as blueprint or guide during the system’s
analysis and program development phase.
PROPER DEBUGGING/ TROUBLESHOOTING – flowcharts can easily show
the steps or components that needs to be change or replaced.
EFFICIENT SYSTEM/ PROGRAM MAINTENANCE- maintaining a system or
application is easier with the assistance of flowchart.
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL
FLOWCHARTING
START WITH THE BIG PICTURE
OBESERVE THE CURRENT SYSTEM
RECORD THE STEPS OBSERVED
ARRANGED THE SEQUENCE OF STEPS
DRAW THE FLOWCHART
