This guide defines primary symbols and provides specific guidelines for preparing a flow chart.

Sample symbol includes: Activity/process, decision, document, direction of flow, connections, manual input, computer storage, manual filing, online activity. The guidelines include: label origins and destinations, number the symbols, use a manual activity symbol before a decision diamond, be certain the “no” comes off to the right and the “yes” flows with the mainstream, attach samples of forms, Level of detail, and label key control points using specific symbols described in the legend. The additional considerations include time per activity, “delay” time, number of activities, number of reviews, etc.