Flowcharting George Kesselaar

Agenda What is Flowcharting? How do we do it? –Symbols –Example (steps) –Rules of Thumb Exercise (Amazon / Fedex) Groups meet

What is Flowcharting? a means of visually presenting the flow of data through an information processing systems, the operations performed within the system and the sequence in which they are performed.

Flowchart Symbols Start / Stop Node Decision Activity Input Connector Wait Document A

Example Copy machine How to Fix? Steps: –Identify process –Describe current process –Chart ideal process –Search for improvement opportunities –Update your chart

Rules of Thumb 1.Know your symbols. 2.Create charts that flow from the top to the bottom of the page. 3.Don't repeat a destination on a chart. 4.Try to fit flowcharts on as few pages as possible. 5.Use the simplest method when flowcharting -- it's always best!

Exercise Ahmed has a business that sells products online. He spends his day as follows: –4 hours to manage and update the website –4 hours to package and ship orders (20 orders per day) Ahmed wants to spend more time on the website because this increases sales How can Fedex help him do this?

Amazon / Fedex Case

Existing Process Retrieve itemBox item

Existing Process Retrieve itemBox item Prepare and apply label

Existing Process Retrieve itemBox item Prepare and apply label Prepare paperwork Attach paperwork Waybill

Existing Process Retrieve itemBox item Prepare and apply label Prepare paperwork Attach paperwork Move to waiting area Wait for pick-up Waybill

New Process Fedex System Prepares Paperwork and label Label Paperwork 7 mins

New Process Ahmed retrieve item Ahmed box item Move to waiting area Wait for pick-up Ahmed attach Label and Paperwork 6 mins 45 seconds = Ahmed saves 2 hours !!

New Process Fedex System Prepares Paperwork and label Ahmed retrieve item Ahmed box item Move to waiting area Wait for pick-up Label Ahmed attach Label and Paperwork

Conclusion A good flowchart: –Is clear –Follows the rules of thumb –Makes analysis easier –Is as short and simple as possible