Attributes in the Swimlane Diagram

Here we will discuss the Attributes of individual elements within the diagram

Name

Symbol

Description

Start/End

It indicates the start and end point in the flowchart

Process 1

It indicates a process, action, or operation.

Process 2

It indicates an automatic process that triggers another action.

Process 3

It indicates a setup to a subsequent step in a process.

Condition

It indicates a question.

Manual Operation

It indicates that the user must manually input information into the system.

Display

It indicates that information must be displayed.

Input / Output

It indicates that information should be entered in or should come out of the flow.

Document

It indicates a document or report that is involved in the process.

Multiple Document

It indicates that there are multiple documents involved in the flow.

Start Loop

It indicates the beginning of a loop.

End Loop

It indicates the point at which the loop ends.

Here, we will discuss about the Oil Change Example we will implement the step wise step flowchart.

2.1 Symbol for Activity:

  • Use a “box” to show the activities within a workflow or process. Shade the box if you have a separate map or flowchart of this activity.
  • Different shapes in a swimlane diagram can have specific meanings and attributes assigned to them. For example, a diamond might represent a decision point, while a rectangle might represent a simple task.

2.2 Symbol of Input and Output

  • Draw a line with an arrow to show an input or an output associated with each activity.
  • Label the inputs and outputs. This helps with subsequent interpretation.
  • The input should be the resource that the activity transforms. You should be able to see the transformation, and the value-creating work of an activity reflected in the progression of outputs throughout the workflow.
  •  Arrows connecting lanes or tasks can have attributes defining the type of interaction they represent, such as information exchange, handoff of responsibility, or conditional flow.

Note: The direction of the arrow is also the direction of the flow of work

2.3 Symbol of Left to Right conversion:

  • In this symbol it shows the conversion of left-to-right sequence of converting inputs into outputs.Let suppose we want to add more box then we can add it, it will show the other activity diagram.
  • These describe the individuals or teams assigned to each swimlane, such as their roles, responsibilities, and expertise.

2.4 Symbol for Inputs and outputs pass over or under one another:

  • Arrows representing inputs or outputs should pass over or under one another, rather than intersect.
  • Change Oil “input” to, or “output” from Spent Oil Replacement Oil Symbols for inputs and outputs.

2.5 Symbol for decision with two branches

Use the diamond symbol to indicate a decision (alternate branches and paths of flow). Often there are more than two options so label all the branches.

2.6 Symbol for entities

We will drwa horizontal bands (swimlanes) to represent the “entity” that does the work. Inputs and outputs pass through these bands. From the above image we will show three entities: Vehicle Driver, Sales, and Service.

2.7 Symbol for Split Diagram

Split (subdivide) the band if you want to show a subset of similar work within the same entity. In the diagram we can see the Inspection and Oil Change Bay is the subset.

What is a Swimlane Diagram

A swimlane diagram is also called a cross-functional diagram. The name, cross-functional process map, means the whole work process “crosses” several functions. By using swimlane diagrams in system design, you can create a clear and concise representation of your system architecture, promoting better understanding, collaboration, and ultimately, a more robust and efficient system. In this article, we will discuss the what is swimlane diagram, its benefits, attributes, elements, and steps to draw a swimlane diagram.

Important Topics for the Swimlane Diagram

  • What is Swimlane Diagram?
  • Attributes in the Swimlane diagram
  • Entities of Swimlane Diagram
  • Steps to draw Swimlane Diagram
  • Tool for Creating Swimlane Diagram
  • Why the Swimlane diagram is useful
  • Uses of Swimlane Diagram

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