8.2. FLOW CHARTS
A process flow chart is simply a tool that graphically shows the inputs, actions, and outputs of a given system. These terms are defined as follows:
Inputs
—the factors of production: land, materials, labor, equipment, and management.
Actions
—the way in which the inputs are combined and manipulated in order to add value. Actions include procedures, handling, storage, transportation, and processing.
Outputs
—the products or services created by acting on the inputs. Outputs are delivered to the customer or other user. Outputs also include unplanned and undesirable results, such as scrap, rework, pollution, etc. Flow charts should contain these outputs as well.
Flow charting is such a useful activity that the symbols have been ...
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