For the human resource professional trying to standardize workflow processes, the use of flow diagrams, flowchart templates and process mapping can aid in this effort. Understanding human resource flowchart key terms provides the flexibility to explain company practices for training purposes, analyze in-house daily operational methods for consultations, or adapt innovative procedures offered by industry peers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Flow diagram

A flow diagram is the arrangement of data units, designated symbols and flow lines with arrows to display each step in a transaction, task or procedure. Theis visual representation charts the progression of a work related function or practice.

I recommend: RFF Electronics gives samples of varying flow diagram types.

Trigger and target point

Trigger defines the first step or action in a process, task or procedure. It is the identified starting place that begins each data unit in the flowchart. The target point is the concluding deed in a chain of events listed on the chart.

I recommend: Visit HCI Flowcharting for a brief explanation of trigger and target point and an example of their placement within a flowchart.

Flowchart templates

Flowchart templates are prefabricated layouts designed to assist human resource personnel in creating flowcharts. These ready-made patterns provide symbols, shapes, flow lines and arrows to delineate sequential steps for organizational charts.

I recommend: Flowchart Tools offers information about a variety of templates for a broad range of human resource charting tasks. EdrawSoft provides a tutorial in creating the latest in flowchart stencils and templates.

Symbols

Flowcharting uses basic geometric shapes and cut-outs to define types of action, decision making points, and the start or end of a process step. Certain figures, or symbols, are common communication tools to indicate industry standards for flowchart data, equations or workflow tasks.

I recommend: Both Patton & Patton Software and MindTools.com offer an overview of human resource flowchart symbols.

Process mapping

Process mapping is a visual illustration of a work-related process that utilizes symbols for each action, detail, step or task.

I recommend: Klariti offers a complete description of flowchart process mapping. iSixSigma has a glossary with a quick reference definition for process mapping.

Deployment or matrix flow chart

The linear chart is the most commonly used flowchart, but deployment or matrix flowcharts are a primary variation used to provide necessary detail to fully convey the process, method, tasks and who handles the tasks.

I recommend: QAP gives a breakdown of deployment or matrix flowchart and its uses. Also, visit PQ Systems and scroll through the numbered items for a detailed description.

A human resource flowchart allows you to show who is in charge of what department, and who has seniority throughout your company. By providing a human resource flowchart to your employees, they will know exactly whom they need to go to when they have a question, problem or complaint, and who to go to if that person can't help. It is a map pointing your employees in the right direction when they need to talk to someone in charge.

You can create your own human resource flowchart to provide your employees. You can search the Internet for a human resource flowchart provider or look through a human resource flowchart directory. Once you pick a provider, you'll want to find software for creating your human resource flowchart, learn information on how to structure it and create and distribute the flowchart to your employees.

1. Choose software that will allow you to easily create a human resource flowchart.

2. Learn information you should include in your human resource flowchart.

3. Decide the best method for creating and distributing your human resource flowchart.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find human resource flowchart software

There are many programs available to help you create flowcharts. You can browse through the Internet to see what each one has to offer, but some will offer better software for human resource flowcharts than others. Compare these programs to choose the one that will work best for you.

I recommend: SmartDraw allows you to create flowcharts by inputting your information. FlowBreeze is an add-on to Microsoft Excel that lets you create flowcharts by simply typing.

Find human resource flowchart information

Once you select a human resource flowchart software program, you'll need to know how to fill it out. A human resource flowchart will need some distinct features to provide your employees with the best flowchart.

I recommend: EDraw Soft helps you create human resource organizational charts, with no experience required. Flowchart Tools provides you with basic flowchart templates for creating different flowcharts.

Create and distribute your human resource flowchart

Once you have researched what should be implemented in your human resource flowchart, you're ready to create and distribute them. Access free services online to design your flowchart using creative graphics and stencils. You can use these tools to create your own unique flowcharts for your business.

I recommend: Draw Anywhere is a free online program that allows you to create flowcharts. CuteDraw allows you to design a flowchart using various drawing tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before creating your flowchart, make a human resource flowchart list of everyone who should be on the flowchart.

The flow chart is the easiest way for a business to keep track of the ungoing process, who is involved and what needs to be changed. From hiring and training to compensation or department complexity, human resource flowchart applications and uses can keep a business running smoothly. Use flowcharts as a means to direct employees in the right direction and keep your process running without kinks.

Using a flowchart as a diagram to outline the ongoing hiring process can save time in the human resource department. A human resource flowchart list is also a good tool to keep track of how a training process is working or where levels of supervision and managerial tasks are handled and when. Try to find flowcharts for:

1. Use flowcharts to streamline a training process.

2. Find Human Resource Flowchart information to keep your applicants in order and the hiring process running smoothly.

3. Provide a structural human resource flowchart to show organizational structure.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the human resource flowchart for better organization of your training process

Keep your training process running smoothly, and have easy access to individual records to find out where everyone fits into the training process by charting the progress. A human resource flowchart can show the training steps, specific training materials needed and worker training expectations all in one easy to follow chart.

I recommend: The Dexter A. Hansen website gives a good tutorial of flowcharts and how to put them together. The information includes helpful training flowchart tips. QPR gives a good example of a training flowchart that can be used as a basis to start your own chart.

Look to a hiring flowchart for easy to follow organization

Putting together a hiring or recruiting flowchart is a great way to stay on top of the hiring process. Make sure expectations, employee requirements, training expectations and the actual hiring process are all included on the chart.

I recommend: Use the example of a recruitment flowchart at Camo Technologies. The hiring process flowchart at Smart Draw shows an example of a hiring chart available from the human resource flowchart provider.

Look to a human resource flowchart directory to provide organizational structure

Human resource flowchart information should be able to provide a clear understanding to anyone about how your company is run. The organizational chart should show levels of supeiority and the flow of operations as it is seen both inside and outside of the company. Organizational flowcharts can be used by both employees and clients to see how day to day operations are handled.

I recommend: The orginizational chart at Edraw Soft shows how a human resource flowchart can be used to keep the department running smoothly by noting everyone's responsibilities and who they report to. SoftBase provides a list of what they consider the top 100 flowchart software producers. Their website includes some information about each software with many organizational chart options.