Operating procedure design using flowcharts and other graphic techniques

Flowcharts have several obvious advantages over narrative presentations of procedures. For example, with a flowchart it is easy to get an overall picture of what needs to be done. Another advantage is that when text accompanies each flowchart, you can skip reading any text associated with a step that you already understand.

If the flowchart, for example, says to start IMS and this step is understood, the reader does not need to read that the system operator enters the /NRE command from the system console....

When you use flowcharts or other graphics to document operating procedures, you generally accompany them with an expanded textual description of the various steps in the flowchart. The main disadvantage to using flowcharts is that they are often difficult to maintain. Small changes to an operating procedure could require you to redesign an entire flowchart.

You might not need to use flowcharts for the IMS MTO. However, it is probably the preferred technique when designing procedures for a recovery specialist or others who need an overview of how something works or what actions are to be performed.