What is a flow chart?

A flow chart attempts to graphically depict the process or series of events that need to happen in order to reach a solution for some problem. Organizations of all sizes use flow charts in order to tackle complex projects that have many different moving pieces which require many people or teams to work on the issue at the same time. One of the most commonly used flow charts used is in sales for more complex products or services. So, what are the benefits to planning out a flow chart?

Top benefits to a flow chart

1) Visuals

Perhaps the best benefit of any flow chart is the visual aspect of the process. A flow chart makes even the most complicated processes rather simple to understand. That’s because a flow chart breaks down complex tasks into reasonable and simple-to-understand chunks of information. Then, that information is presented in chronological order, as in, this goes first then this goes second, and so on.

2) Communication and Coordination

Another major benefit to flow charts is that teams and individuals can more easily communicate and understand one another. Again, because all tasks are laid out in a way that everyone can understand, it’s also easier for teams to show their progress and exactly what they’ve accomplished so far in the project. This can also be especially beneficial in sales settings because the manager can keep track of how long certain steps take in the sales process and where things may need to improve.

3) Faster Processes

When planning a flow chart, the designer or team can better understand the steps and procedures that go into the overall task at hand. In most cases, there are numerous steps that a designer can eliminate or simplify and therefore decrease the overall time investment for that overall project or task. This can also provide a logical order to the task which employees can then learn and become familiar with, thus decreasing time to learn new tasks.

4) Better Analysis

Flow charts also provide valuable reporting and tracking metrics for teams. For instance, if a sales manager creates a flow chart for the sales process, they can also record how long each step takes per sales representative. If a particular task like inputting customer information takes a lot of time, then the sales manager could work on ways to reduce that time. Therefore, flow charts allow teams to pinpoint and target time-consuming tasks as well as other tasks which might be able to be done better or by someone else to decrease the time needed. Flow charts can also provide useful information in terms of how long the overall project will take, which is vital to most medium to large-sized organizations and grant projects.

5) Problem-Solving

For more complicated tasks a flow chart can make difficult scenarios more palatable for those who don’t understand the process. By breaking information down into simple tasks, ensures that all team members and even other teams down the road will understand the process.

6) Documentation

Flow charts also make it easier to document and record how processes should be done, where improvements could or have been made, and more. Therefore, other teams or future projects could look back on the flow chart and use it to document how a process or project should be done within that organization. This is why finding a flowchart template can help your organization save time, improve processes, and make communication easier for everyone when working on more complex projects.