2. What is a system flow chart?
Entering a room
• A flowchart is a
diagram which shows Start
a task that has been
Enter room
broken down into
each part and shows
Is it dark No
when a decision
needs to be made. Yes
Therefore showing Switch light on
exactly how the data
Sit down
moves.
End
3. What do the Symbols mean?
• System flow charts use standard symbols to
represent each part of the task.
Start / End • The beginning and end of the
process.
Decision • E.g. Is the data valid?
Process • E.g. a computer program
(automatic process) or filling in
a form (manual process)
4. What are the rules for flow charts?
• All flow charts must
Start
start with the Start
symbol with only one
arrow leaving it
• All Flow charts must
End
finish with the End
Symbol with only one
arrow leading to it.
5. What are the rules for flow charts?
• Flow charts have
processes. These are
instructions or actions
that need to be done.
• The processes can be
automatic or manual.
• A rectangle signifies
the processes with an
arrow going in and one
coming out.
6. What are the rules for flow charts?
• Flow charts also include
‘decisions’.
• Most decisions are
questions i.e. ‘ is it
dark?’ No
• A diamond shape
signifies a decision.
• There maybe a number Yes
of arrows showing
different options leaving
them and in some cases
it may allow a step to be
missed out.
7. What are the rules for flow charts?
Entering a room
Start / End Start
Symbols
Enter room
Process / action
Decision
Is it dark
Switch light on
Sit down
End
8. Test Your Knowledge
Ordering Lunch
• Can you identify Start
where the
Order a sandwich
following are in
the flow chart: Want Yes
Order crisps
• Start Crisps?
No
• End
Want Yes
• All processes drink? Order drink
No
• All decisions
Sit down
End
