Flowcharts

A flowchart can take any process and distil it into a series of actions or decisions; it is a versatile and simple form of diagram that can be used to describe situations in any field, and is easily understood by everyone. They are used frequently in business to document workflows from all areas of a company - they can show accounting purchase orders, human resource recruitment strategy, or a product life cycle.

Fig 1. Flowchart — Product life cycle process

What makes a flowchart so widely used and readily understood is the use of standardized symbols that retain the same meaning whatever process they are describing. They always start and end with a Terminal, an oval shape containing the appropriate text. A diamond shows that a Decision is necessary, often yes/no or true/false, while an Action is shown as a rectangle, containing text describing what happens. Other flowcharting symbols add contextual layers to specific process flow diagrams, with icons that represent punch card inputs, disk storage, and manual operations.

As more of business has become reliant on computer systems, there has been a need to use flowcharting to map data flow diagrams. Symbols known as data-flow extensions exist for this exact function, that allow Documents, Manual operations, Manual inputs, and Data files to be added to a data flow chart.

Fig 2. Flowcharts design elements

With these building blocks, it is possible to create flowcharts that describe work process flows from all divisions of a company. Different types of process flow diagrams exist to reflect the different ways in which data and resources interact within each area of a business. Here are some examples of the types of flow diagrams in common use:

• Data-flow diagrams — these diagrams can show the interaction between a system and external agents, or show the flow of data within that system. They are used to visualize how a system will operate, how it can be implemented, and what effect data input will have on the system as a whole.
  
  

  Fig 3. DFD Process of account receivable

• Functional flow diagrams — these are used to map a multi-tiered, time sequenced process. They show a workflow as a series of levels, with each step of the top level process expanded into it's own list of functions that represent the 2nd tier of the process. This can be repeated for as many tiers as is necessary.
  
• Algorithm charts — the binary nature of decision making on a process flowchart means they are an ideal medium for mapping computer algorithms. The flowchart symbols are used to graphically represent a step-by-step set of operations to be performed, and the rules by which they are defined.
  
• Activity diagrams — this type of diagram is used extensively as an example of Unified Modeling Language, used by software engineers as a standard way of visualizing the design of a system. Activity diagrams differ from normal flowcharts primarily by being able to show the start and end of concurrent activities, using a specific Join or Split symbol.
  
• Cross-functional flowcharts — this type of flowchart is constructed as a matrix, arranged into 'swimlanes' that denote different stakeholders or departments. It shows each individuals activities, and how the work flow crosses departments to form a complete process.
  
  

  Fig 4. Swimlane Process Mapping Diagram — Payroll Process

Flowchart solutions from ConceptDraw

For years ConceptDraw has been delivering high quality business process flow design solutions, turning ConceptDraw PRO into one of the most comprehensive and powerful examples of flowcharting software available. Solutions have been tailor made to apply to numerous departments and stakeholders within a company, while ConceptDraw specialize in professionally drawn vector stencil graphics of both standardized flowchart notation, as well as a large selection of themed icons and design elements.

Here are some of the flowcharting solutions for ConceptDraw PRO, and examples of process flow charts that have been created using them:

• HR Flowcharts — libraries of icons relating to human resources allow HR staff to illustrate workflows in that field, such as the recruitment process, staff training, or health and safety initiatives.
  
  

  Fig 5. Human Resource Development — Onboarding Model

• Accounting Flowcharts — the set of symbols found in this solution give accountants the tools they need to describe purchase orders, payments, or procurement processes.
  
• Sales Flowcharts — Sales workflows can cover interaction between customer and business, or an internal sales process needed to be performed by workers.
  
  

  Fig 6. Sales Flowchart — Global Payment Solutions

• Audit Flowcharts — this solution contains extra symbols to help illustrate the steps needed to prepare and implement the audit process.
  
• Cross-Functional Flowcharts — As mentioned previously, this type of flowchart drawing is divided into 'swimlanes'. It needs special notation to signify the relationship between these divisions, which can be found in this solution.
  
• Business Process Diagram — this solution contains design elements for Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) v2, which is an extension of the standard flowchart notation, and allows users to present complex process semantics and more precise information for any given step.
  
  

  Fig 7. BPMN 2.0 — diagram logistics

• IDEF0 Diagrams — IDEF0 is the modeling language used to create flowcharts specifically for the analysis of computer system software, or software engineering. This solution from ConceptDraw contains the necessary connecting arrows and callouts.
  
• Flowcharts — the base flowchart solution for ConceptDraw PRO has a large library of all common flowcharting symbols.

These are just some of the vast array of online business process diagramming solutions that can be found in ConceptDraw Solution Park, on the ConceptDraw website. By using flowcharts, you can map unique company processes at all levels and across all departments, transmit information to important stakeholders, or use your flowchart as part of a presentation - so it is important to have a piece of software powerful and dynamic enough to cater for all flowcharting needs. Combining these solutions with ConceptDraw PRO gives users all the tools they need to create effective and professional flowchart designs.

HR Flowcharting

Human resources is the term given to the people who make up the employee workforce of an organization or company. It was initially used simply as a synonym for manpower or labour; latterly, with the advent of globalization, a cottage industry has grown regarding human resource strategy, as a way of enhancing business value through management of the workforce.

The idea of human resource management (HRM, or HR) has its roots in the human relations movement of the early 20th century. Initially, the theory was applied more towards transactional processes, such as the administration of payments, holidays and benefits. Soon the focus would turn directly to the labor force, and the idea of workplace productivity began to take importance. A gradual change in HR policy meant that workers began to be view less as cogs in a machine, subject to unrealistic production demands, and more like an asset to the company, who can be trained and rewarded in order to provide even greater productivity in their work.

In modern times, the importance of HRM has been fully accepted and integrated into working life, to the point where the HR department of a business will often be one of the largest divisions in the company. At a macro-level, HR is responsible for leadership strategies and workplace culture, adhering to labor laws, health and safety, and security. On a more individual basis, they will deal with worker grievances, performance reports, and all steps of the hiring process.

This emphasis on employee satisfaction and training is not just an altruistic notion; it has become something of a necessity due to the changing manner in which we do business. Companies have realised that constantly replacing a workforce is costly, inefficient and time-consuming - it's much more preferable to retain employee talent and knowledge, with a lower employee turnover. Business has changed in a global sense too - companies regularly trade internationally, with a wide range of partners, across different customs, cultures, and laws. As such, the modern HR department will find itself involved in the strategy behind mergers and acquisitions, diversity and inclusion, and industrial and labor relations.

It can be said that human resource management has four basic functions - staffing, training and development, motivation, and maintenance. The points below show some of the processes involved with each function.

Staffing

• Recruitment
• Interviewing
• HR networking
• Job descriptions
• Turnover reduction
• Requisition management
• Employment branding
• Candidate screening and assessment
• Recruitment scheduling
• Employment events management

Example 1. Human Resource Management

Training and Development

• Employee training
• Talent development
• Learning event management
• Performance management
• Succession planning
• Employee financial education
• Career planning

Motivation

• Payroll
• Benefits determination
• Health planning
• Retirement planning
• Employee compensation planning
• Total rewards management
• Wellness planning and maintenance

Maintenance

• Employee tax payment
• Time sheets
• Safety records
• Leave forms
• Insurance payment
• Absence management
• Claims and appeals management
• Personal financial planning
• Employees' dependents verification
• HR reporting
• Flexible spending account administration
• Employee records management
• Employee life events management

Example 2. Human Resource Development

With such a large and varied workload, it can be useful for an HR manager to design and create business process maps, that illustrate a specific process within the company. These can take the form of flowcharts, infographics or workflow diagrams. Specific diagrams work better with certain processes - for instance a flowchart acts a solution to a given problem; each step of the solution is represented by a box, from which multiple connections can flow dependent on the decision made at that step. An infographic is used as a graphical representation of data or knowledge, and act upon the human visual capability of spotting patterns and trends. All aspects of HR management can be mapped with their use, from macro to micro level - the versatility of flowcharts mean that one can be used to chart data flow through the payroll software system, or a more esoteric diagram can show HR management response and strategy in a given situation.

The advantages of business process mapping are numerous. They can be used as a plan, to try and stop initial mistakes with implementation; you see processes as part of a bigger picture, and can adapt them for certain scenarios; it can help you eliminate unnecessary steps, or speed up/automate parts of the process. Presenting data in visual form creates a unified message or strategy, and allows for easy distribution amongst team members.

Example 3. Human Resources Flowchart

With the new HR Flowcharts solution for ConceptDraw PRO, all these diagramming options and advantages are available to you. A comprehensive selection of predesigned vector stencils libraries allow you to create eye-catching infographics relating to any human resource management process. Also included are standardized flowchart notation symbols, meaning your diagrams will be relevant and understood by all business associates. We try to make things easy for you at ConceptDraw, so you will also find flowchart and workflow templates inside the solution to help you get started with your own design. Using the HR Flowcharts solution, you can create professional looking HRM business process diagrams in a matter of moments.