Flow chart template

Choose the right flowchart template to graphically depict the flow of the thing being processed

Flow Chart Software Comparison:
When to use a flowchart vs other Lean tools

Compare flowchart software to other Lean tools
	Value Stream Map Value Stream Mapping is a strategic tool that uses special symbols and Lean metrics to depict the flow of a product or service (and the information needed to plan and control the flow of that product or service) through an entire stream of value-adding processes - each of which might drill down to further details illustrated using one or all of the following tactical tools. Download free trial value stream map
	Spaghetti Diagram also known as Standard Work Chart or Layout Diagram A Spaghetti Diagram is a process mapping template that shows a floor plan of your work area, and graphically shows the walk paths of each worker, and which operations are done where, and how much of the thing being processed is stored where. Download free trial spaghetti diagram (within Standard Work template)
	Standard Work Combination Sheet The Standard Work Sheet is the ideal tool for designing and documenting Lean processes with short cycle times. (For example a manufacturing process that takes five minutes, or a loan approval process that takes 2 hours) Download free trial Standard Work
	Simple Flowchart A simple flow chart (without swim lanes) is probably the most familiar process mapping software to graphically illustrate "who does what", and what decisions need to be made along the way. And we all know how many words one picture is worth.
	Cross Functional Flow Chart The swim lane cross functional flowchart is the ideal process flowchart for designing and documenting processes with medium-length cycle times. (For example a sales order process, engineering changes, or any process that takes days or weeks rather than minutes) Download free trial cross functional flowchart
	SIPOC Diagram The center of a SIPOC diagram includes a very simple process flowchart - with columns for Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, and Customers. Use this tool to identify and eliminate wastes of any type: hazardous wastes and emissions, energy, scrap, packaging... Download free trial SIPOC template
	Process Flow Diagram Prior to creating a PFMEA - use the Process Flow Diagram to identify Sources of Variation, and desired Deliverables (ideal Functions) for each Process Step.
	A3 Illustrator The A3 Illustrator uses stick figures to illustrate Lean Office and Lean Healthcare processes in ways that are more intuitive than traditional flow charts or other lean tools.

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Own them all

It is not uncommon for a company to buy their Systems2win templates for the Value Stream Mapping, or Standard Work, and then notice a year later that the two templates they actually use the most are the simple flowchart and the Cross Functional Flow Chart.

 

Fortunately, with the Systems2win process flowchart templates, you don't need to choose.
You get every one of these flow chart templates when you purchase the entire suite of tools.

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Bookmark = variations

Variations of the Simple Flowchart template

The modest simple flowchart serves as the Swiss Army Knife of any lean toolkit - being ideally suited for:

• Getting ideas drawn fast. (The Stick Figure A3 Illustrator is good for this too)
• Any process that does not cross departmental boundaries

The simple flow chart template can be used to create many popular variations - including:

Cost of Quality Analysis

Cost of Poor Quality template

Use Cost of Poor Quality Analysis to identify opportunities to improve quality, and reduce the costs of doing it.

After flowcharting a process...

1. Draw a red circle around all steps that incur costs of quality: to inspect, control, or fix damage.
2. If few or no steps have red circles, ask, "What can go wrong? How would we know? How would we deal with it?" Then add steps to show how problems are handled.
3. For each red circle, ask, "What process step, if done perfectly, would allow us to uncircle or eliminate this red-circled step?" Draw a green circle around those steps.
4. Optionally calculate approximate costs of red-circled tasks - as one factor to consider to prioritize.

   But don't spend too much time calculating cost of quality - keeping in mind the words of Dr. Edward Deming:
   "The true cost of poor quality is unknown and unknowable."

5. Analyze and improve the opportunities identified in the green-circled steps, and the root causes in the red-circled steps.

Decision Tree Flowchart

aka Decision Process Flowchart, Logic Diagram, Logic Flowchart

A sequenced set of alternate paths that lead to a correct decision for what to do in different circumstances.

To create your Logic Flowchart - an expert of group of experts does the following:

1. Come up with a Title to succinctly describe the situation where this decision guide should be used.
2. Perhaps starting with cards or sticky notes until your Logic Diagram starts to take clearer shape - brainstorm questions that must be answered to reach the correct decision, and arrange the cards in branches for each possible answer.
3. Rearrange your cards into a logical sequence.
4. Review and test your Decision Process Flow chart for different scenarios and situations - modifying as you go - and transferring your sloppy note cards into a clean flowchart template.
5. Give your Decision Tree Flow chart to people without expertise, and ask them to use it to make decisions. Improve your masterpiece based on their experience.
6. Release your finished tool - and set up a system for feedback and continuous improvement,
   and possibly a system for non-experts to get quick answers from experts for anything they find confusing.

Mix Logic Flowchart

The Mix Logic Flowchart is a specific type of Decision Tree for Mixed Model Value Stream Maps
with high variability of demand and mix - to guide your Scheduler with yes or no logic paths
for what to do in any circumstance.

Boundary Diagram

The Boundary Diagram is a graphical illustration of the relationships between the subsystems, assemblies, subassemblies, and components within the object as well as the interfaces with the neighboring systems and environments. It is often a mandatory component when creating a Design FMEA.

 

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Bookmark = benefits

Flow chart Lean templates flow chart software

	Features & Benefits
	Lean-specific tools Systems2win offers ALL of the types of flowcharting tools described above so that you have the right tool for every process and phase of continuous improvement
	Pre-programmed Lean metrics After the pretty pictures have been drawn, how do you answer your boss's show-me-the-money questions to get approval for your suggested improvement ideas?
	Ease of use Everything you know about Excel - you can use in these flow chart templates Everything you learn about these templates - you can use in any other Excel worksheet
	Online help a) Pop-up help for every row & column heading b) Sample with learning exercises c) Free Excel online training d) Video training
	Online education On-line education to ensure that your people understand the foundational teachings of Lean & Kaizen
	1 year free Technical support So your people have the support they need - so they can focus on solving your problems rather than troubleshooting their home-grown spreadsheets
	Affordable Steep quantity discounts and volume licensing for unlimited users - to empower every one of your team members with all the tools they need to improve their own work

 

Test drive all the templates with money-back guarantee

You get all of these flowchart templates when you purchase the entire suite of tools