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If you've ever been on a complicated field audit, you know that a good flowchart can help you transform chaos into order. But, as too many accountants know all too well, preparing a flowchart with pencil and paper is time-consuming and frustrating. You can't change the size of the symbols that are pre-cut into plastic templates, and messy, smudged pencil marks and erasures come with the territory.
There is a better way. Today's easy-to-use flowcharting software can benefit virtually anyone with decision-making responsibilities.
GO WITH THE FLOW
A flowchart is a type of graphic that shows how a process works. Flowcharts are usually used to document complex procedures, and detail both the sources of information and the steps of the process. In a typical flowchart (see the accompanying figure), boxes and other shapes represent steps in the decisionmaking process, such as Yes/No decisions and data input points.(Figure omitted) Lines connecting these shapes provide the paths that lead to the conclusion of the process. Think of a flowchart as a map that outlines the steps you need to take to achieve a goal.
Flowcharting software can be especially useful for an accounting practice. You can map out almost any project, be it an audit, inventory count, bidding process, internal control review, or computer installation, in flowchart format. Then you can easily change the flowchart, as circumstances change. Using flowcharts may be the most flexible way to track progress on a single project or a wide range of projects. The very act of creating a flowchart forces you to analyze a complex process by breaking it into small, logical steps and mapping out the relationships among them.
Which flowcharting software package is the best for your practice? To help you answer that question, I reviewed two broad categories of flowcharting software: general drawing packages (with flowcharting features) and dedicated flowcharting packages. Visio, IntelliDraw, and ABC SnapGraphics are versatile general drawing packages that also sport built-in flowcharting tools. In addition to flowcharts, these packages can help you create site plans, Venn diagrams, presentations, and even forms. ABC FlowCharter, allCLEAR, EasyFlow, Flow Charting 3, and Flow Charting 4 are predominantly dedicated flowchart software packages, but they can also be used to create other chart types, such as organizational...