Should Small Businesses Consider Using Flowcharts?

Oupa Baloyi

A process is infinitely better understood in visuals than in detailed words. It is for this reason that small businesses should employ flowcharts. Flowcharts are visual diagrams that use symbols to explain the separate steps of a process in sequence. They make visual representations of processes and can come in handy for decision-making and problem-solving.

Furthermore, they map out how the devised plan will be executed for a new process and application. They are usually used by programmers, but they are not limited to use by other ordinary individuals such as small business owners.

Here are some of the more salient reasons to use flowcharts and the benefits they can affect small businesses.

Good Documentation

One of the ways of creating proper documentation is making use of flowcharts. Flowcharts come in handy when it comes to the demonstration of a long process. They outline the process in such a way that is hands down clear and easy to understand. They can document a good way to complete every business-related task where small businesses engage.

Figure: This flowchart shows the claiming process Hulisa uses for expense reimbursement

The finance department can develop flowcharts that explain the process how. At Hulisa, employees had challenges with making expense reimbursement claims since other employees were working remotely slightly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, owing that claims had to be made manually. Part of what also made life a bit harder for them is that they were not sure what to claim and what not to. Documentation of the process through flowcharts made it easy for everyone to know what process and channel to follow when they claim.

Improved Analysis And Problem-solving

Flowcharts have a way of making complex matter into easy matter, by breaking a problem into easily understandable and well-defined parts. They draw collaboration, thereby making sure that the team and stakeholders do contribute to the diagram so that business analysts and small business owners gain a comprehensive view of the problem.

They can also act as an observer and constant reminders by indicating if there is any missing information on the issue that is being addressed at hand. They make sure they leave no stone unturned.

When you perform organisational analysis of accountability, with flowcharts small business owners can simplify the matter of reporting to complex supervisors. They can also aid businesses by discovering an area that retards progress and pinpointing the area that calls for improvement within an organisation.

Better Communication

With teamwork, everything becomes virtually possible. Flowcharts are, more often than not, created by a team of people. Flowchart software makes it possible for all teams to work together and communicate as they create, edit, and analyse flowcharts.

Flowcharts ensure that there is better and improved communication between team members. They also have the potential to replace meetings as they depict a much clearer picture of the steps to be taken.

Training Materials

Flowcharts could also be used to make training materials. The training materials that are made of flowcharts prove easy to understand. Accountants at Hulisa usually use flowcharts to create stimulating training materials for new employees and clients.

Conclusion

Needless to say, flowcharts are useful in business process management. With proper flowcharts, every step of the process in a project becomes a breeze. Small business owners should not ignore employing flowcharts as they have a great potential of delivering short and long benefits to small businesses. Flowcharts are an effective visual representation to utilise if small businesses fancy efficiency.

Do you use flowcharts in your business? If you do, we want to help you with how to do and use them. Hulisa is at your disposal if you need any assistance. We have flowcharts experts who have a good head on their shoulders if you want to learn more flowcharts. Feel free to book a free consultation right away. For more information, visit www.hulisa.co.za.

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