What Is the Purpose of Using Symbols in a Flowchart or Process Map?
Tags: flowchart, mapping, tutorial, learning
Published: 2024-01-17 08:09:29

Today, I want to chat about process mapping and using symbols to visualize workflows.

I'll be honest - when I first heard about flowcharts and process maps, I was skeptical. It seemed overly complicated and rigid. But after trying it out on some projects, I realized how useful it can be!

My conclusion? Project managers, you must document workflows and processes so everyone understands how or when work must be done. **[Process maps](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/process-map-template/) are your means to this end and allow people to quickly understand the overall flow of a process and the details of each step.**

**Did You Know:** Process mapping is sometimes referred to as flowcharting. This method was initially created in the 1900s by [Frank Gilbreth](https://ors.od.nih.gov/OD/OQM/Pages/Process-Mapping.aspx#:~:text=Process%20mapping%20is%20also%20known%20as%20flow%20charting%20and%20has,system%20in%20the%20early%201900s.).

**The purpose of using process map symbols in a process map is to visually communicate a process's steps, flow, inputs, outputs, and other aspects.** Think of them as a universal language for [workflow charts](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/work-flow-chart/).

Each shape, line, and squiggle holds a specific meaning, guiding you and your team through your process.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hzl4wh2ljbpj2z6eapqc.png)
([Image Source](https://tms-outsource.com/blog/posts/business-process-modeling/))

## **Are There Standard Process Mapping Symbols?**

**Of course! There are standardized symbols used in [process mapping](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/process-flow/).** Almost everything in the management and project management worlds is standardized so that we can all communicate effectively and understand one another. The standard symbols used often include:

- **Rectangles** to show tasks or steps
- **Diamonds** to show decision points
- **Arrows** to show flow and direction
- **Rounded rectangles** to show inputs and outputs

Regardless of what people denote as ‘standard symbols,’ **you can use symbols in whatever way works best for you and your team.** Color, size, and **other visual cues can be used to denote additional information** like cycle time, resources, or problems.

Platforms like monday dev by monday.com offer pre-designed [templates and intuitive interfaces](https://monday.com/cc/business-process-management-software) to make process mapping a breeze.

For example, when mapping out our team's weekly reporting process on [monday dev](https://monday.com/dev), we use an oval for the start, rectangles for steps, diamonds for decisions, and arrows to connect the steps sequentially.

## **Why Should I Use Symbols for Process Maps and Flowcharts?**

**Process map symbols help us identify bottlenecks and [optimize our steps](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/business-process-improvement/)** by streamlining communication and highlighting potential hiccups. Some of the key benefits of using symbols include improved communication, increased efficiency, enhance analysis, flexibility, and process improvement.

### **1. Improved communication**

The standard set of **symbols used in process mapping provides a [common language](https://monday.com/blog/productivity/workflow/)** that makes it easy for anyone to interpret the map, even if they are unfamiliar with the mapped process.

### **2. Increased efficiency**

**Process maps provide an [overhead view of a workflow](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/workflow-template/).** This helps identify redundant steps, waiting periods, and other sources of inefficiency. Problems are easier to spot when the information is visualized.

### **3. Enhanced analysis**

**Symbols draw attention to key components**, like decisions, inputs, outputs, and connections. Structured formats support a detailed analysis of flow and performance.

### **4. Flexibility**

**[Process maps can be customized](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/business-process-management/)** to focus on different levels of detail. **The same basic map can be expanded or simplified to meet various needs.**

### **5. Process improvement**

**Modeling processes visually allows you to simulate changes and [optimize flows](https://monday.com/helpcenter/syllabus/building-workflows-in-monday-com-step-4-optimization).** Process maps facilitate redesign by allowing quick iteration and collaboration.

Platforms like monday.com take the [project management cycle](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/business-process-management/) one step further, allowing you to visually map your process with ease.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5ej28jtuscsnisunn6qb.png)
([Image Source](https://monday.com/blog/project-management/workflow-diagram/))

## **Simplifying the Complex with Process Maps**

The main reason I like process mapping now is that it helps me simplify complex situations. All those winding steps get organized into neat little boxes and arrows. It's like a map for navigating workflow madness!

I also appreciate how easy process maps make communication. My team can glance at a flowchart and quickly get on the same page (literally!). No more long email chains trying to explain procedures.

And don't even get me started on finding inefficiencies! Mapping things out reveals weaknesses you'd never spot otherwise. It's like an overhead view of your process - you see the big picture and can fix issues.

Overall, **process map symbols provide a helpful toolkit for visually modeling business processes and workflows.** The [standardized shapes and icons](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/28-flowchart-symbols-and-meanings) allow process maps to be powerful communication tools.

So if you're on the fence about process mapping, I'd say give it a shot!

**Let me know if you have any more symbol tips to share or if you want me to go into more detail** about process mapping.

### **But First… a quick FAQ encore:**

**Q: Do I have to use symbols in my process maps?**

**A:** No, there are no rules that say you have to use symbols, but why settle for a complicated and tedious to-do list when you can have a vibrant visual process map that is easier to understand?

**Q: Do I have to be an artist to create a good process map?**

**A:** Absolutely not! Stick figures and squiggles work just fine. The key is clarity, not creativity. Many work management platforms have [handy templates](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiXv6ad_OGDAxUQk1AGHb_cCvcYABABGgJkZw&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9e-_i_rcRqyDPtWKgASp4dak5zQmKdgCAv2u4JoNxKVxuOYpnzglUYBoC-UIQAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVOD24NeaB2u2W-XwkJ8cyiy3FWsWyo-F092f3aN_PYOqeuG5OPupp_VDbFyWVIiPk6BG1RTCYCRfyGlHUD_KeW-nKsQzRkk17020-Ko9bMfH5mmqfw&sig=AOD64_13etktqYYkS_3pgZDVHxvak40q0Q&q&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjGyaGd_OGDAxVqXUEAHfTgDH8QqyQoAHoECAkQDQ) that you can also take advantage of.

**Q: Why do people use shapes in process maps?**

**A:** Using standard shapes in process maps makes the purpose and flow clear to anyone reading the diagram. It also allows teams to visualize bottlenecks, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement in the process.