Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition

DESIGNING PROCESSES

Process flow analysis

A technique used for evaluating a process in terms of the sequence of steps from inputs to outputs with the goal of improving its design.

Now that we know about different types of processes, let's look at a technique that can help with process design.

Process flow analysis is a technique used for evaluating a process in terms of the sequence of steps from inputs to outputs with the goal of improving its design. One of the most important tools in process flow analysis is a process flowchart. A process flowchart is used for viewing the sequence of steps involved in producing the product and the flow of the product through the process. It is useful for seeing the totality of the operation and for identifying potential problem areas.

Process flowchart

A chart showing the sequence of steps in producing the product or service.

There is no exact format for designing a flowchart. It can be very simple or highly detailed. The typical symbols used are arrows to represent flows, triangles to represent decision points, inverted triangles to represent storage of goods, and rectangles as tasks. Let's begin by looking at some elements used in developing a flowchart, as shown in Figure 3-7. Shown first, in Figure 3-7(a), are flows between stages in a simple ...