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Computer and Programming

Flow Chart

Derived from http://www.patton-patton.com

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Process Symbol

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

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Document Symbol

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

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Multi-Document Symbol

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

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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

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Input/Output Symbol

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

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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

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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.

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Terminator Symbol

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

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Manual Input Symbol

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

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Display Symbol

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

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Pre-defined Process Symbol

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

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Stored Data Symbol

• Stored Data Symbol is a general data storage flowchart symbol

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Sequential Access Storage Symbol

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

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Magnetic Disk Symbol

• Magnetic Disk Symbol simply refers to Database.

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Internal Storage Symbol

• Internal Storage Symbol represents data stored in memory

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Direct Access Storage Symbol

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

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Flow Line Symbol

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

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