Process flowcharts

[Paul Simpson]

Just a quick question, are flowcharts required for every written process/procedure? Or can a flowchart be substituted for a written procedure?

Flowcharts are just one form of documented information. As mentioned, ISO 9001 requires you to determine and control, your processes (4.4.1) and maintain sufficient documented information (4.4.2 a) to support process operation.

If you determine written procedures are sufficient then you do not need process flowcharts. If you assess process flowcharts are adequate then you don't need written procedures.

It is up to you in the end.

 

[mvest80]

Flowcharts are just one form of documented information. As mentioned, ISO 9001 requires you to determine and control, your processes (4.4.1) and maintain sufficient documented information (4.4.2 a) to support process operation.

If you determine written procedures are sufficient then you do not need process flowcharts. If you assess process flowcharts are adequate then you don't need written procedures.

It is up to you in the end.

Thank you for your response. I'm trying to simplify our document control for the future.

 

[Peter Fraser]

Hi mvest80, whether they are required...they tend to complement each other..the graphic is further explained and amplified by the written procedure, lending increased clarity.

hope this helps
optomist1

Better still to use a deployment flowchart which can show enough detail for a competent person to do the job, and also shows who is involved (responsible, consulted etc) in each task. That way you don't need a written procedure as well.