As soon as upon a time at college, I used flowcharts to map out my analysis processes so that they may very well be clearly understood and repeated throughout peer assessment. Currently, I’ve been utilizing flowcharts to arrange an educational guide on floral design. At this time, I’ll be exploring flowcharts as they pertain to the enterprise sector.
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Flowchart templates assist folks simply map out enterprise processes, enhance workflows, and even make clear organizational constructions. Any business could make sensible use of flowcharts for enterprise, and templates make that work go even sooner.
Bulleted lists, Phrase paperwork, and even shows can assist convey a course of, however they don’t provide the identical degree of visible readability and readability {that a} flowchart does. That is very true if you happen to’re making an attempt to map out totally different steps or levels.
So let’s reply the primary questions first: what’s a flowchart, and what can you employ it for?
Desk of Contents
What Is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is a visible map to assist clarify a course of for decision-making, attaining outcomes, or projecting an consequence. Flowcharts start at a place to begin on the graphic, and as customers comply with by it, they’ll select one in all a number of outcomes or choices till reaching the tip of the method.
Flowcharts are perfect for outlining processes, that are the spine of a robust enterprise. A transparent, repeatable course of has two main hurdles to profitable implementation in any enterprise: first, the event of that course of, and second, getting buy-in from stakeholders on that course of. (Good luck, proper?)
The easiest way to beat each of those potential roadblocks is to transparently and logically define a course of.
Many companies use flowcharts to handle this, as flowcharts visually define a course of roadmap for a full-scope understanding. They can be simply digested by staff who have to know and comply with the method.
In a enterprise, flowcharts can be utilized for any of the next functions:
- Group and organizational alignment. An organizational construction diagram clarifies who experiences to whom in your crew.
- Knowledge administration. A data flow diagram will make it easier to perceive how info progresses by your small business up till deletion.
- Gross sales course of mapping. Making a sales process flowchart can assist you shorten the gross sales cycle and enhance income.
- E mail nurturing. E mail campaigns are famously depending on workflows, that are a kind of flowchart that decides who to enroll in a marketing campaign and when.
- Buyer journey mapping. A buyer journey flowchart exhibits how prospects discover you and what their expertise is like at your small business.
- Buyer or worker onboarding. A customer onboarding process flow can assist you outline what messaging to ship and when throughout your buyer’s first interactions with your small business.
- A/B testing. When designing an A/B test, you’ll sometimes use a flowchart to determine what number of variations you’ll take a look at and the potential outcomes you’ll get.
You may also use flowcharts for QA work, mapping out your profession development, and far, far more.
That will help you create actionable flowcharts in your group, I’ve listed the perfect flowchart templates so that you can obtain and begin utilizing in the present day. These can assist you to create a smoother course of in any space of your small business. Each comes with a obtain hyperlink so that you can begin utilizing that template proper on Google Slides.
Flowchart Templates for Enterprise
1. Basic Process Flowchart Template
This fundamental movement chart template is a superb resolution for these simply getting began with flowcharts. The template permits its designers to specify a place to begin, two potential outcomes, after which the ensuing processes of these selections. Resulting from its limitations, this flowchart template is finest suited for easy processes.
Who ought to use this flowchart? Anybody who must map out if-then processes.
What I like about this flowchart template: The fundamental course of flowchart is straightforward to make use of and comply with, and it’s splendid for documenting easy or easy processes.
Professional tip: This flowchart is useful for these seeking to design an A/B take a look at to find out one of the best ways to get the outcomes they’re in search of.
2. Swimlane Flowchart Template
The swimlane flowchart template divides the steps of a course of into totally different sectors. For your small business, these totally different sectors may very well be time intervals, groups, staff, or work necessities.
Who ought to use this flowchart? Swimlane flowcharts are significantly useful for many who oversee cross-functional processes.
What I like about this flowchart template: This template visualizes the totally different course of steps that happen throughout a number of groups or organizations.
3. Task Flowchart Template
A activity flowchart template simplifies advanced processes with distinctive shapes. Every form on the flowchart represents one thing totally different, forming a fast visible key.
This format is useful when the work of a number of groups intertwines all through a course of. It is because it makes it simpler for crew members to figure out the tasks they’re responsible for.
These roles are sometimes famous in a key on the flowchart for fast reference.
Who ought to use this flowchart? Challenge managers seeking to maintain monitor of assorted duties and their outcomes.
What I like about this flowchart template: The duty flowchart visually depicts how numerous contributions to a product help the tip end result. Every stakeholder can see how their duties influence the movement of the undertaking.
Professional tip: The shapes also can symbolize various kinds of actions, like back-end improvement of a brand new ingredient after which front-end testing of these parts to create a QA course of.
4. Complex Flowchart Template
For a flowchart that doesn’t want gridlines or totally different shapes, this template is the perfect resolution. It presents the choice for a number of endpoints relying on which steps are taken all through the method. Then it makes use of easy sure or no solutions to drive you towards the endpoint.
Who ought to use this flowchart? Groups seeking to handle processes that would have numerous endpoints or initiatives which have a number of steps and stakeholders concerned.
What I like about this flowchart template: Complicated processes could be troublesome to maintain monitor of. This flowchart template creates an intuitive visible for multi-step processes. This makes it simpler to determine if and when you must transfer ahead.
5. Circular Flowchart Template
The round flowchart template adjustments issues up with a unique form, however it additionally presents a unique path construction. It helps you define each brief and lengthy processes, with totally different outcomes relying on the variety of steps required.
Who ought to use this flowchart? Social media managers, product entrepreneurs, and content material strategists might discover that this template fits their wants.
What I like about this flowchart template: This template has a cleaner look than among the extra advanced flowcharts and could also be higher for visible learners.
6. Linear Flowchart Template
A linear flowchart template is an answer for when there’s just one optimum end result. Each step of the method will both lead somebody to that consequence or end result within the course of merely ending.
Who ought to use this flowchart? E mail advertising specialists and gross sales groups can profit from this template as a result of there’s sometimes one purpose: to earn yet another subscriber or earn yet another buyer.
What I like about this flowchart template: With one singular purpose, this flowchart format has a transparent starting and finish, making it straightforward to stipulate a easy course of.
Professional tip: This linear movement could be so long as you’d prefer it to be. I’ve personally obtained over 30 emails from the identical supply making an attempt to get me to choose into their provide. They actually hope that I’ll purchase, and I actually hope, for his or her sake, that they automate.
7. Tree Flowchart Template
A tree-style flowchart template makes essentially the most sense for conditions the place there are a number of selections and when every choice has a transparent and distinct subsequent step.
Who ought to use this flowchart? For companies, this flowchart could be excellent for the help division — which may use this template to map out responses from automated chat help or a telephone tree.
What I like about this flowchart template: Every motion has a transparent subsequent step and a predetermined consequence, however you’ll be able to add greater than two choices — which is usually not relevant to different flowcharts.
8. Organizational Flowchart Template
The ultimate flowchart companies would possibly need to use is an organizational flowchart (or org chart) template. That is a necessary chart that exhibits who experiences to whom and helps all staff perceive their place within the enterprise.
Who ought to use this flowchart? Firm and division heads use this template to stipulate the chain of command in an space of the enterprise. Human Sources groups also can use it to tell crew construction and organizational selections.
What I like about this flowchart template: Customers can see crew construction at-a-glance and might shortly discover who they should go to for his or her undertaking or to have their questions answered.
Professional tip: As folks tackle further roles and report to numerous departments, these conventional org charts might not be versatile sufficient to symbolize actuality. It might simply symbolize a place to begin that may assist staff get oriented.
Now that I’ve shared the perfect flowchart templates, it’s time to have a look at them in motion!
Flowchart Examples for Enterprise
1. Fundamental Course of Flowchart Instance
This template visualizes how a consumer visiting an organization’s touchdown web page might convert and change into a lead. Discover how there are two potential ultimate outcomes, however due to this chart’s simplicity, you’ll be able to add as many outcomes as you need. With a flowchart like this, it’s vital to have clear, outlined targets in thoughts.
2. Swimlane Flowchart Instance
Within the instance above, the swimlanes are divided by division as an example the method of the client journey. That is exceedingly vital for figuring out which groups have to work together with a buyer and when.
With out a swimlane flowchart outlining these roles, your prospects’ expertise together with your firm can appear haphazard and poorly deliberate.
3. Activity Flowchart Instance
Within the instance above, the totally different shapes symbolize the beginning of, finish of, and actions taken in the course of the means of viewing a touchdown web page. This activity flowchart instance follows an “if this, then that” format. It exhibits the varied outcomes that would happen when a possible buyer visits a touchdown web page.
4. Complicated Flowchart Instance
The above hiring visible is an instance of a fancy flowchart with many occasions and potential outcomes. It presents two potential outcomes at each stage. Then it exhibits with readability what occurs as a candidate strikes ahead. The colours additionally make it clear which ultimate outcomes are constructive or adverse.
5. Round Flowchart Instance
Within the instance above, a round flowchart presents a decision-making framework.
Right here, it’s used to assist a social media supervisor determine which web site to put up content material on. It contains particular, focused questions that outline the belongings the social media supervisor must create and which social platforms these belongings are finest fitted to.
6. Linear Flowchart Instance
As I discussed earlier, linear flowcharts can be utilized for processes which have just one desired consequence. Within the above instance, it’s for an e mail nurturing sequence. Within the picture, the method ends whether or not somebody indicators up for an occasion or not.
A time-bound (or finite) e mail nurturing sequence is particularly match for these kind of flowcharts. For steady e mail advertising campaigns, you would possibly want a extra agile flowchart the place you’ll be able to decide when to maneuver a subscriber to a different e mail listing.
7. Tree Flowchart Instance
On this tree flowchart instance, a enterprise depicts the alternatives and subsequent steps a caller can take when contacting them by telephone. Discover that there are numerous endpoints for the client relying on their earlier motion.
A flowchart like that is helpful if you happen to’re making an attempt to stipulate a course of with totally different branches. As an illustration, you would possibly create a touchdown web page flowchart that determines which kind or CTA is depicted to a buyer based mostly on their earlier exercise in your web site.
8. Organizational Flowchart Instance
Whereas not precisely procedural, this visualization helps these throughout the firm shortly perceive who experiences to whom and who handles what.
The very best a part of this instance is that it may be as detailed or so simple as you’d prefer it to be; you’ll be able to delve all the way down to your junior particular person contributors or just define your management map.
Free Flowchart Templates
Flowchart templates are extremely helpful for fixing enterprise issues and simplifying processes. That mentioned, some points want extra customized options.
I’ve gathered up some free and paid flowchart templates, instruments and software program to check out — we’ll take a look at the free ones first.
The software program and adjustable templates I’ve hunted down may even assist your crew join and work collectively on flowcharts. They make it easy to create distinctive and easy-to-read flowcharts that match a wide range of wants — together with mine!
I’ll be utilizing demos of the free instruments under to ascertain info flows for my educational guide about floristry. Hopefully we’ll each study one thing new.
Free Flowchart Templates, Instruments, and Software program
1. Miro
Pricing: Free, with paid choices for prolonged options and enterprises.
Who Ought to Use This Software?
Groups that use flowcharts for all kinds of customers and stakeholders. This device can also be useful for groups that create movement charts collaboratively or need to embrace a number of flowcharts in a single doc.
What I Like About It
Miro presents instruments to construct and plan advanced flowcharts for groups. In addition to visible whiteboard instruments, Miro additionally presents templates for technique mapping, workflows, UX design, and extra. I personally liked the digital sticky observe function that makes it straightforward so as to add feedback to in-progress flowcharts just like the one I created above.
2. Draw.io
Pricing: Free
Who Ought to Use This Software?
This device is in style with customers who need diagramming software program for fast enterprise utility. This flowchart device additionally contains customizable templates. I used it to create the flowchart under that maps out how one can organize a dozen purple roses.
What I Like About It
This open-source know-how is straightforward and fast to make use of for sensible flowcharts and course of mapping. It creates course of diagrams for modeling, databases, networks, wireframes, and extra. It additionally presents tons of customization choices, however I didn’t discover it overwhelming to make use of.
3. Zen Flowchart
Pricing: Free, with paid choices for prolonged options.
Who Ought to Use This Software?
Informal customers and enterprise corporations in search of web-based flowchart software program.
The free choice is proscribed to twenty parts, so I used to be in a position to whip up a easy flowchart for deciding how to decide on which type centerpieces to create for an occasion. I didn’t discover the arrows to be intuitive, however it does have icons to select from, which was a enjoyable contact.
What I Like About It
Zen Flowchart is straightforward to make use of with a variety of options. You’ll be able to create thoughts maps, wireframes, or whiteboards with this drag-and-drop device. The easy workspace helps restrict distractions so you’ll be able to deal with your small business course of. This flowchart device additionally has options for collaboration and real-time commenting.
4. Lucidchart
Pricing: Free, with paid choices for prolonged options and enterprise.
Who Ought to Use This Software?
Lucidchart presents options for each particular person customers and collaborative skilled groups. There are positively sufficient choices to do some superior, skilled chart work. I made a decision to construct an org chart for my splendid floral store:
What I Like About This Flowchart Software
Past real-time collaboration and ease of use, this diagram software program additionally has a variety of superior options. You’ll be able to personalize flowcharts with customized shapes pulling from libraries of shapes and icons.
Automated diagramming can assist new customers create a flowchart with out time-consuming edits and tweaks. For extra expert customers, there are integrations with Atlassian, Zapier, Notion, and extra that are additionally tremendous helpful.
These connections can assist combine flowchart collaboration into your present tech stack and workflows.
5. Cacoo
Pricing: Free, with paid choices for prolonged options and enterprises.
Who Ought to Use This Software?
This cloud-based and user-friendly device is helpful for a wide range of customers and groups. Cacoo presents a bunch of collaboration instruments — together with video chat — in addition to integrations with Adobe Artistic Cloud, Zapier. I used it to create this swimlane flowchart of how my splendid florist store would handle buyer complaints.
What I Like About This Flowchart Software program
Cacoo is a complete device that makes it straightforward to personalize flowcharts for a variety of makes use of. Whether or not you are making a advertising flowchart with imported photographs or a wireframe with customized symbols, this device can assist.
The central dashboard can also be useful for understanding all the pieces your undertaking wants at a look, and differentiates between personal and shared folders.
Paid Flowchart Templates, Instruments, and Software program
6. Textografo
Pricing: Begins at $4/month.
Who Ought to Use This Software?
This text-to-diagram generator is an easy means for much less visually-oriented customers to create flowcharts. It is for customers who perceive the worth of graphical movement diagrams but in addition might not be as fast or snug with visible instruments.
What I Like About It
This flowchart device presents a unique strategy to flowchart creation that may save many customers effort and time. Textografo can assist customers create a flowchart, mindmap, resolution timber, or animated diagrams. Customers also can collaborate on the method with this on-line device.
7. Microsoft Visio
Pricing: Begins at $5/month.
Who Ought to Use This Software?
Visio is an intuitive flowchart device for Microsoft 365 customers.
What I Like About It
This flowchart device can assist you create advanced flowcharts or easy diagrams. The interface and styling are acquainted to many enterprise customers, which can assist pace up the method of visualizing advanced concepts. It additionally presents themes to enhance the look of your flowcharts.
Visio additionally comes with lots of of templates for a variety of business wants. It additionally makes it easy to import information from Excel, Entry, and different Microsoft sources.
Utilizing Enterprise Flowchart Templates
Enterprise flowchart templates are the quickest and best method to construct flowcharts, even sooner than instruments that take a while to study to make one thing customized. From among the many free instruments I examined in the present day, listed here are my takeaways.
- I can simply say that Cacoo was my favourite. They’ve much more intuitive arrows that connect with auto-docks across the shapes, maintaining traces tight and clear.
- Draw.io felt a bit like Photoshop to me, however not almost as overwhelming. Skilled graphic designers would possibly like that one in addition to Lucidchart for the acquainted, double-paneled interface.
- I might put Miro and Zen Flowchart in the identical class of being straightforward for inexperienced persons to check out, however I believe Miro edges out Zen Flowchart when it comes to what you get free of charge. Zen Flowchart works properly, however the free model is actually only for small initiatives — 20 parts isn’t a lot to work with.
All of the templates I mentioned earlier on this put up are downloadable and fully customizable with regards to form, format, colour, and imagery inside Google Slides.
They’ll make it easier to higher illustrate and talk processes in your organization shortly and intuitively — with out having to put money into or study new software program.
Editor’s observe: This put up was initially printed in July 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
