Flowchart Symbols and Meanings

Paper Document File N=Numerically D= by date A= Alphabetically

(If it has a line through it, means it is permanently stored)

Computer Processing

Always use when dealing with magnetic tape or a database. Its the actual process what is the computer doing.

Inventory or moving product

Can also look like a dolly with a box with an X on it.

Database

Ex: Update a database, querying a database, a backup of your database, When making a reservation of some sort.

Electronic input and output device

Ex: Use this when it says use a terminal...it means a computer or using your home computer.

Multiple copies of one paper document

Ex:The system prepares two copies of a sales order

Document

Ex:Use when it says enter paper based source document data, you start with the document

Journal/Ledger

If you have to post something to a journal or general ledger.

Annotation (addition of descriptive comments)

Still only use a few words when using this

Document or Processing Flow

The data is simply flowing from one piece to another.

Off Page Connector

Use the same numbers or letters on the inside to connect

On page connector

Use the same numbers or letters on the inside to connect

Communication Link

Use this when your computer is communicating with a database

Terminal

Use when a copy is sent somewhere as the final symbol.

Decision

When making a yes or no decision example inside the diamond "if a condition is met" yes or no and you follow it back in program flowcharts you do this, which is the process part of the system flowchart

Magnetic Tape

When updating a magnetic tape you have the old master file, the trans file, and the new master file.

Manual Operation

When you process something manually like if you have to approve and sign checks manually