Super Flow Diagrams
A flow diagram is a visual representation of a particular type of data through a system. A flow diagram can also be used for the visualization of data processing. Most often, there are three types of general flow diagrams: Data flow diagrams, graphical flow diagrams, and process diagrams. Although the descriptions and facets of all three are used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences, which we will not go into here. Suffice it to say that if a person is using either text or graphics to lay out a step by step procedure or process, it can be determined to fall under any or all of the above categories.
Data flow diagrams generally use graphics to show the flow of information, or data, through a system. Graphical representations are usually much easier to follow for many laypeople. An example of a graphical representation would be a Mind Map. Mind Maps are becoming very popular, being a combination of extensive and colorful text, as well as pertinent text.
Flow diagrams themselves are used throughout many fields and industries, most specifically those with a scientific or engineering bent. Many technical schools teach students in these disciplines the use of flow processes to organize and systematize their thought processes.
The medical field uses flow processes or diagrams for everything from medical software to disease process progression. Usually these are true data flow diagrams, as opposed to the graphical representations used in other fields. These flow process diagrams have helped immensely in the progression of the science of medicine, as well as treatment flows and throughput for patients and employees.
Information system flow diagrams can be comprised of either text or graphics, or a combination of the two. They generally show the flow of data through a closed information system, i.e. a computer system or computer network. Network administrators, computer technicians, end-user product buyers, marketing teams-all use flow process diagrams to further their individual aims. The military is another very large organization that has discovered the benefits of process flow diagrams, or flowcharts. Many of their training and field manuals use text and graphic representations to inform the particular knowledge seeker, in a step-by-step manner, on the most highly beneficial process of finishing a certain task, or a procedure for data acquisition. There are many names and uses for process diagrams today, and computerized software has enormously increased this growth. Although a review, of all process flow software is beyond this article, a simple search of the software vendors will show a plethora of adequate programs, with an enormous fluctuation, as well as price range.
Process flow diagrams have been used extensively in many fields and for many reasons, for many years, and will continue to be used for the foreseeable future.
Flow Diagram
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