14 Benefits of Using a Process Flow Chart in Information Technology – A process flow chart is known to be one of the most commonly used tools in information technology. It is used to show all processes involved in a particular task or project. Although many professionals across different fields are acquainted with the concept of process flows, it’s still not very common among them. So what could be some benefits that you can gain by using a process flow chart?
14 Benefits of Using a Process Flow Chart in Information Technology
1) You gain clarity and simplicity
One important benefit that you get by using a process flow chart is that it brings harmony into an otherwise cluttered situation where you have multiple workflows connecting at yet another level somewhere else. With everything structured, defined and outlined, things become far simpler for everyone involved – particularly for new members on the team.
2) You have a better idea on where to spend time and resources
When you are able to see all processes laid out in front of you at one go, your understanding on how everything fits together becomes more concrete. This allows you to allocate your time and resources in the best possible manner, which would only lead to greater productivity over time.
3) Communication is facilitated
Process flow charts make communication easier by supporting discussions between various departments or individuals involved in any organization’s systematized workflow.
4) Risk management is simpler If every step inside the process flows chart is well-documented, it becomes much easier for everyone involved (including customers) to understand risks that may come up during execution of a particular task or project. This could help you to create a better risk-management plan, which means lesser risks for your organization in the long run.
5) It helps with bringing uniformity into processes
Having a centralized system to perform certain tasks also makes it easier for employees across different departments to follow or adhere to same steps during similar situations or scenarios. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding how they should be operating with data and information at any point of time.
6) You know where things are headed In most cases, organizations end up taking up projects that have already been implemented by competitors. Process flows can help prevent this from occurring because it can tell what course a campaign has taken in order to achieve success preventing you from blindly spending time and money on ideas that have already been tried.
7) Process flows are essential when creating policies It is important to know how a process flow should be done in order to create proper guidelines about it. This will prevent your organization’s workflow from being derailed over time due to lack of clarity or improper placement of information or steps involved in the same.
8) They help you identify weak areas If there are any missing links between two particular processes, it would become obvious by looking at the chart. Such details can be used to make improvements later on so as to ensure better results for similar tasks or projects in future.
9) Interdepartmental collaboration is greatly improved When every department has the ability to see what everyone else does (from their own respective charts), they can efficiently work together towards a common goal. No need to spend time and resources trying to figure out where the other party is coming from because it’s all right there in front of you.
10) Process flow charts like these flowchart examples provide a good level of documentation. If everyone (including customers) is able to see what steps are involved in any particular process, then they can become more aware on how things are being carried out internally on your end. This will also prevent them from becoming suspicious on why certain decisions have been made without prior information.
11) It allows for improved resource management Instead of having to look at all the tasks or projects that you have in queue at nearly any given time, it is easier if they are laid out in front of you in a chart form. This will allow you to allocate your resources (people and other materials) more efficiently because you know exactly where they should be spent on.
12) You can save time with process flow charts While it may take some effort to create one initially, the benefits gained from doing so make it worthwhile over time. After all, who wouldn’t want to simplify their workflows? What’s important is being able to see how information flows around inside an organization so as to prevent unnecessary work from being done – something a process flow chart in information technology can provide you with.
13) Process flows help prevent replication of efforts In an attempt to save time and effort, many organizations tend to take shortcuts which inadvertently results in them carrying out the same tasks over again. This happens when certain processes have not been captured or implemented properly so there is a discrepancy between how things should be done and what has actually been executed.
14) Proper documentation is made easier It’s hard to keep track of every little detail that exists within your organization due to the large number of different employees who are all working towards a common goal. However, process flow charts make it much simpler for any employee involved to know exactly where they stand at any given moment because each step that he or she will need to take is clearly laid out for them.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
