What is a flowchart?
A flowchart is a visual illustration to help explain decision-making processes, projects, or achieve results. It begins at a starting point, and as a user follows through, they can choose from several options or outcomes until they arrive at the end of the process.
In creating the flowchart template, you can present the steps in various shapes like oval, diamond, rectangle, and many more while connected with arrows. It's an excellent diagramming tool to plan, document, visualize, and improve different processes.
When to use a flowchart?
A flowchart template is an excellent visualization tool when you're trying to conceptualize processes. Teams can develop a flowchart for new projects or change and improve existing processes. There are other various use cases for flowcharts including the following:
- Track progress
- Standardize processes
- Document current processes
- Organize teams and responsibilities
- Develop new processes
- Identify issues and bottlenecks
Benefits of using a flowchart
Besides the fact that a flowchart is easy to create, this diagramming tool has tons of benefits that convince you to make one for your business. See the list below.
- Builds clarity. A flowchart template transforms complex steps into an organized, visually clear illustration. Using different shapes on your chart helps you clarify the processes in a digestible format, resulting in a better understanding of stakeholders and other audiences.
- Increases efficiency in processes. The flowchart clearly illustrates the steps of the processes. With this, it helps teams see unnecessary steps they can remove and avoid to improve their processes.
- Better problem-solving. Since you can quickly identify possible issues and bottlenecks with a flowchart template, it's easier to brainstorm possible solutions. Furthermore, the diagram reduces the chances of missing essential steps as everything is visually illustrated.
- Faster communication. The template creates a forum where teams can quickly communicate steps, processes, and directions by referencing a straightforward visual aid.
How to use the flowchart template in Boardmix?
Boardmix is an online platform allowing users to explore their creativity using digital charts and diagrams. Check out the steps below to create your flowchart template online.
- Go to your Workspace on your Boardmix account.
- Explore the template library and find the flowchart category. Click on it to use the template.
- You can edit the shapes, colors, and texts for every section. The flowchart template is entirely customizable, so explore your options based on your preferences.
- Remember to save your flowchart once you're done.
You can start with a blank page by clicking the 'Create whiteboard file.' This allows you to make a structure for your flowchart template. Also, Boardmix lets you share the finished template with your team through a link. You can even allow some members to edit the project.
FAQs about the flowchart template
What are the main 4 flowchart types?
The variations of flowcharts are endless; however, four types of this diagram are versatile and commonly used by many. This includes the following:
- Process flowchart
- Workflow flowchart
- Swimlane flowchart
- Data flowchart
What are the 4 basic symbols of a flowchart?
Knowing these symbols makes developing the diagram much easier for those new to creating a flowchart template.
- This is also called the terminator, which represents the beginning and end of a process.
- The shape is for you to use once you start flowcharting. It represents all steps, like basic tasks or actions in the process, and is considered the workhorse of a flowchart template.
- This serves as a path to guide the audience to the next process. While you can use various arrow styles, it's recommended to use one or two types of the entire flowchart template. This keeps your illustration look clean while emphasizing vital steps.
- Use this shape to highlight that a decision needs to be made to move forward.
There are still more symbols you can use to illustrate your flowchart better. You can check out our Flowchart Symbols Explained - From Basic to Advanced article for more of them.
