1 Computer and Programming Flow Chart Derived from

2 What is a Flowchart? An organized combination of shapes, lines, and text that graphically illustrates a process or structure A pictorial representation showing all of the steps of a process

3 What is a Flowchart is used for? Defining and analyzing processes –What is the registration process for entering freshman students? Building a step-by-step picture of the process for analysis, discussion, or communication purposes –Is it possible to shorten the length of time it takes for a student to complete the engineering program? Defining, standardizing, or finding areas for improvement in a process

4 Crystal Clear Communication Flowcharts are recognized as one of the most important ways to effectively communicate ideas between people who may differ in knowledge, education, and position Without flowcharts, you can spend a ton of energy explaining how the process is to be done Once a Flow Chart is completed it can then be used for –Training, Troubleshooting, Testing, Inspecting process

5 Defining Flowchart Symbols There are no “one” definition for flowcharting symbols There are some guidelines for commonly used symbols Just be sure that when using these symbols you are consistent with their meaning

6 Process Symbol Process symbol represents any process, function, or action and is the most frequently used symbol in flowcharting

7 Document Symbol Document Symbol is used to represent any type of hard copy input or output (i.e. reports)

8 Multi-Document Symbol Multi-Document Symbol is the same as Document symbol except that it defines multiple documents

9 Off-Page Connector Symbol Off-page Connector Symbol is used to indicate the flow chart continues on another page. Often the page number is placed in the shape for easy reference

10 Input/Output Symbol Input/Output Symbol represents data that is available for input or resulting from processing (i.e. customer database records)

11 Decision Symbol Decision Symbol is a junction where a decision must be made. A single entry may have any number of alternative solutions, but only one can be chosen

12 Connector Symbol Connector Symbol represents the exit to, or entry from, another part of the same flow chart. It is usually used to break a flow line that will be continued elsewhere.

13 Terminator Symbol Terminator Symbol defines a start or stop point in a process

14 Manual Input Symbol Manual Input Symbol represents the way of manually input data into a system

15 Display Symbol Display Symbol represents a machine display (i.e. Computer Monitor)

16 Pre-defined Process Symbol Pre-defined Process Symbol represents a formally defined sub-process.

17 Stored Data Symbol Stored Data Symbol is a general data storage flowchart symbol

18 Sequential Access Storage Symbol Sequential Access Storage Symbol is an old reel of tape (magnetic tape).

19 Magnetic Disk Symbol Magnetic Disk Symbol simply refers to Database.

20 Internal Storage Symbol Internal Storage Symbol represents data stored in memory

21 Direct Access Storage Symbol Direct Access Storage Symbol refers to a storage on a Harddrive

22 Flow Line Symbol Flow Line Symbol indicates the direction of flow for material and/or information.

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