A great business needs a great many things in order to succeed – strong leadership, a competitive advantage, and a unique vision among them. However, one element that could make or break a business is its process (or lack thereof).
A clear, repeatable process has two major hurdles to a successful implementation in a business. Number one is the development of that process, and number two is getting buy-in from stakeholders on that process. That said, the best way to overcome both of these potential roadblocks is to transparently and logically outline a process.
Many businesses use flowcharts to accomplish this task, as flowcharts:
- Visually outline a process roadmap for a full-scope understanding, and…
- Can be easily digested by employees who need to know and follow the process.
To help you create actionable flowcharts for your organization, we’ve listed out the eight best flowchart templates for you to download and start using today to create a better process in any area of your business.
Let’s dive in.
![→ Access Now: 8 Business Flowchart Templates [Free Tool]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/46d3b1c7-3e3b-4386-b78e-8b57f6d95750.png "The 8 Best Free Flowchart Templates [+ Examples] 1")
What is a flowchart?
A flowchart is a visual map to help explain a process for decision making, achieving results, or projecting an outcome. Flowcharts begin at a starting point on the graphic, and as users follow through it, they will choose one of several outcomes or options until reaching the end of the process.
In business, flowcharts might be used for any of the following purposes:
- Team alignment and process.
- Email nurturing.
- Customer journey mapping.
- Customer or employee onboarding.
- A/B testing.
- QA-ing work.
- Career progression.
- Customer support.
Here are eight templates and examples of flowcharts for business – each one comes with a download link for you to start using that template right on Google Slides.
8 Flowchart Examples for Business
1. Basic Flowchart Template
The basic flowchart template is the ideal solution for those just getting started with flowcharts. The template allows its designers to specify a starting point, two potential outcomes, and then the resulting aftermath of those decisions. Due to its limitations, this flowchart template might be best suited for basic processes, like a simple A/B test.
2. Swim Lane Flowchart Template
The swim lane flowchart template is for dividing up the steps of a process into different sectors. For your business, these different sectors could be time periods, teams, employees, or work requirements. In the example below, the swimlanes are divided by department to illustrate the process of the customer journey.
3. Task Flowchart Template
A task flowchart template is differentiated by what each shape on the flowchart represents. This format is beneficial when multiple teams’ work is intertwined throughout the process, as individuals can easily discern the tasks for which they are responsible. These responsibilities are noted in a key on the flowchart for a quick reference.
The shapes can also represent different types of action. In the example below, the different shapes represent the start of, end of, and actions taken during the process of viewing a landing page.
4. Complex Flowchart Template
For a flowchart that doesn’t need gridlines or different shapes, this template is the best solution. It provides the option for multiple end points depending on which steps are taken through the process.
One example this flowchart template might be used for is the hiring process, as it has multiple outcome possibilities.
5. Circular Flowchart Template
The circular flowchart template changes things up with a different shape, but it also provides a different path structure. For example, in the image below, the template can be used as a decision-making framework. Here, it’s used to help a social media manager determine which site should be used to post content on.
6. Linear Flowchart Template
A linear flowchart template is the solution for when there’s really only one optimal result, and every step of the process will either lead someone to that outcome or result in the process simply ending. One example – highlighted below – might be for a nurture stream. In the image, the process ends whether someone signs up for an event or not.
7. Tree Flowchart Template
A tree-style flowchart template makes the most sense for situations where there are multiple options and when each option has a clear and distinct next step. For businesses, this flowchart would be perfect for the support department – which can use this template to map out responses from automated chat support or (as outlined below) a phone tree.
8. Organizational Flowchart Template
A final flowchart businesses might want to utilize is an organizational flowchart (or org chart) template. This template is utilized by the heads of a company and/or a department to outline the chain of command in an area of the business. While not exactly procedural, this visualization helps those within the company quickly understand who reports to whom and who is responsible for what.
Business Flowchart Templates
Business flowchart templates are the fastest and easiest way to build flowcharts. All of the above templates are downloadable by clicking here and are completely customizable when it comes to shape, format, color, and imagery.
Download the templates for free to better illustrate and communicate processes in your company.
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