Swimlane Flowchart

Swimlane flowcharts provide a simplified outline of complex processes by visualizing the steps and the people responsible for handling each task. While a classic process flowchart typically has one or more ‘lanes’ flowing in one direction, swimlane diagrams have horizontal and vertical lanes. They go a step further by depicting multiple interconnected workflows that are carried out by different people to produce a shared outcome.

Our template uses the example of an IT helpdesk. When a customer calls IT to ask a question, the process seems short and simple. However, the back-end operations involve representatives who assist customers, researchers who study up on customer needs and expectations, technicians who design and implement solutions to meet customer needs, and vendors/suppliers who coordinate equipment and data to keep systems/inventory up to date. Much more complicated!

Swimlanes flowcharts have many uses, including:

• Documenting processes for reference and instruction

• Designing and optimizing organizational processes

• Identifying problems or inefficiencies

• Troubleshooting and accountability

With our Swimlane Flowchart template, you can alter the shapes, change the text and colors, and share the diagram with others. Join Cacoo to try it today!