Process Map and Flow Chart Symbols | Six Sigma Study Guide

Process Map and Flow Chart Symbols require particular symbols. See what’s needed in order to draw a process map.

Process Map and Flow Chart Symbols Overview

Start/ Stop:

The start and stop point in the process is denoted by this symbol, and is often known as terminator.

Process Step:

One of the most commonly used symbol in a process map, a process step denotes a task or activity of the process.

Decision:

It denotes the points where decisions are needed in the process, or generally the phases where there are two options like yes/ no or pass/ fail.

Delays:

The delays in the process are denoted by symbol D.

Flow Line Connectors:

The movement in the process is shown using the flow line connectors that shows the direction in which the process flows.

Storage:

The storage and filling variables are shown using an inverse triangle

Connectors:

In order to draw many flow lines crossing each other and making the process map messy, connectors are used to show that one point connects with another. Connectors provide easy reference in the process map.

Out- going off page connector:

It serves as a connector to connect the process on the other page

Sub-routine:

It represents a formally predefined process.

Document:

It represents the process steps that produce a document

Data:

The data with respect to the inputs and outputs are shown using this diagram.

Manual Input:

This symbol indicates the need for the operator or user to manually feed the required information in the process.

Six Sigma Green Belt Process Map and Flow Chart Symbols Questions

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Questions, comments, issues, concerns? Please leave a note in the comments below!

Question: A Belt utilized a diamond symbol in a Process Map she created for the process that was subject to her LSS project. By use of the diamond symbol she was showing a(n) _______________ point in the process.

(A) Ending
(B) Beginning
(C) Decision
(D) Repair station

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Question: Which of the following shapes is used to present a termination point in a flowchart?

(A) Rectangle
(B) Diamond
(C) Arrow
(D) Oval

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Comments (6)

What is there screeninfor criteria for selecting 6 sigma project?

Good question. Ill write a guide on what selection or qualifying criteria you should employ to pick the best Six Sigma projects shortly.

In the meantime, a good rule is to pick something that you can make an immediate impact on. That means, a project that has a great chance at a large ROI and / or a process that has very poor quality (i.e. low Sigma, high DPMO) or poor efficiency. Does that make sense?

Although I suspect that you are asking the question for an exam, here’s a guide to finding qualified Six Sigma projects in your current role.

The test question shown and it’s subsequent answer is confusing.
An oval to my knowledge would be as depicted by the “connector ” symbol in this article. The terminator indicated in the article is a rectangle with rounded corners. This could potentially cause an incorrect answer as the choices don’t match the symbology given in the guides format.

Appreciate the comment Ken. Just found that I have 2 conflicting sources in my reference books. Can you share which source you have indicates this. I am really interested in determining the root of the discrepancy.

In practice I do see the the start and end be ovals, as the question indicates. I most often see the connector as a circle with a number for an on-page reference. And I think I uploaded the wrong image there. Will update.

Ted I believe some word or words are missing at the beginning of this question.

Question: A Belt utilized a diamond symbol in a Process Map she created for the process that was subject to her LSS project. By use of the diamond symbol she was showing a(n) _______________ point in the process.

Hi Dan,

I agree the question is poorly worded. However, it’s the verbiage I have in the IASSC-provided practice exam.

Best, Ted.