Can flowcharts replace text based Procedures?

[Mike S.]

I like flowcharts in some cases; I like written text in some cases. In some cases, like where a procedure is written for more than one audience, function, purpose, or level of personnel, I do BOTH in one document. The text includes details and perhaps background that not every user needs and the flowchart summarizes and condences the information for the people who need the least amount of detail, making the document easier for them to use. I get the best of both worlds.

As far as Martin's comment "I wont be blinded because a procedure says the schedule should be on a certain form, or authorised by a certain person, etc, etc." No one likes to be nailed on trivial technicalities, which is what I think he is saying here. This is why in such cases where I may want to give SOME flexibility without giving totally free reign, and depending on the audience and situation, I sometimes use "weasel words/phrases". You know the deal. Stuff like...

"...unless otherwise approved in writing by XXX."
"...typically..."
"...should..."
"...or similar record/form containing the same information..."
"...unless otherwise documented..."
"...as determined by the XXX Manager."

I also try to give the R&D guys more free reign which they often require so I sometimes write procedures to apply to "standard production" situations and allow the V.P. of R&D to do some things "...at his/her descretion".

 

[db]

Wierd!

Okay, this is a bit odd. I tried to down load Martin's flowchart from QS9000.com, but got the error message, saying I'm not registered. Yet, I'm able to download it from elsmar.com. What gives? Anyone know?

 

[energy]

Re: Wierd!

db said:

Okay, this is a bit odd. I tried to down load Martin's flowchart from QS9000.com, but got the error message, saying I'm not registered. Yet, I'm able to download it from elsmar.com. What gives? Anyone know?

db,

Were you able to view it? I had no problem opening it. Is that considered a download? I didn't try to acquire it. Hey, I don't know this stuff.

 

[db]

Were you able to view it?

Nope!

Hey, I don't know this stuff.

Oh man, what an opening....................but rather than jump on that statement with both feet (we can all imagine where this could lead), I'll just say apparently I'm in the same boat. So, let's just rig the bait and fish!

 

[energy]

Just a thought

M Greenaway said:

I am open to suggestions for a better name.

M,

Because you solicited suggestions, what if you combined the Witnessed Process with the focal Audit Process block and simply called it "The Audit"? This combines all the inputs and also tells them that this is the audit without having to add Witnessed Process? Still looks good, as is.

 

[Garry]

Heatcraft

Flowcharts read so easy...they work like little wonders. You will experience people take a serious interest because most procedures will be on ONE page only and flowcharts read so easy.

You can keep them fairly simple, as long as you have the right people with appropriate skill levels so that they know what they do. You don't have to go to the end degree (that's what you have Work Instructions for) and get everything put down. K.I.S.S.

Here is a sample

 

[Cari Spears]

Garry

Great map!! What does "SCA" stand for in the box below "Company Mission"?

 

[Greg B]

KISS

Originally posted by Garry
Heatcraft

Flowcharts read so easy...they work like little wonders. You will experience people take a serious interest because most procedures will be on ONE page only and flowcharts read so easy.

You can keep them fairly simple, as long as you have the right people with appropriate skill levels so that they know what they do. You don't have to go to the end degree (that's what you have Work Instructions for) and get everything put down. K.I.S.S.

Gary,

Excellent one pager. I like the quote 'as long as you have the right people with appropriate skill levels' I have been preaching this to the masses as we have reviewed all of our work instructions and procedures over the past year getting rid of the uneeded guff. People used to write their WIs as if the wanted the auditor to operate the machinery or do the process. They were forgetting that the instruction was for a highly trained, ticketed operator that had undergone 'Competency Based Training' to achieve the right to operate said machinery or perform said process. KISS is my catchphrase and we have seen some great flowcharts and word/photo combinations replacing the old fashioned volumes of verbosity, diatribe and wordsmithing.

Greg B

 

[Garry]

Cari

SCA = Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Garry

 

[Marc]

Re: Wierd!

Originally posted by db
Okay, this is a bit odd. I tried to down load Martin's flowchart from QS9000.com, but got the error message, saying I'm not registered. Yet, I'm able to download it from elsmar.com. What gives? Anyone know?

It's a cookie thing. If you log in to qs9000.com (the original domain from 1996) the forums will set cookies for that domain. If you change to 16949.com in the url you will get a new set of cookies. QS9000.com and 16949.com still point at the site (technically Elsmar.com). As you might expect from the above, if you then switch to Elsmar.com a third set of cookies will be set.

If you come in through qs9000.com or 16949.com and it tells you you're not logged in just re-login. Privilages and such will not change.