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Cross Functional Flowchart

Use a Cross-Functional flowchart to anticipate and address workplace issues. This tool helps clarify team roles, uncover bottlenecks, and streamline responsibilities for smoother workflows.

About the Cross Functional Flowchart

A Cross-Functional Flowchart, also known as a swim lane diagram or process map, helps visualize relationships within a business and track end-to-end contributions across functions. It clarifies how different departments, stakeholders, project phases, and milestones depend on and interact with each other, adding structure and transparency to your processes.

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What is a Cross-Functional flowchart?

A Cross-Functional Flowchart visually maps out how different teams, departments, or individuals contribute to a business process or project. Each lane in the chart represents a specific role, function, or external contributor, helping clarify responsibilities and the flow of activities toward the end goal.

When to Use a Cross-Functional Flowchart

Use a cross-functional flowchart to enhance team and organizational processes, identify inefficiencies, and tackle delays that affect both internal and external stakeholders. This tool is also beneficial for fostering understanding between teams or departments, especially when they are unfamiliar with each other’s roles. By collaborating on an online flowchart, teams can build alignment and transparency throughout the process.

How to Create Your Own Cross-Functional Flowchart

Creating a cross-functional flowchart is simple, especially with FigJam’s collaborative platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Decide on Your Lanes

    Determine which divisions (like departments) or identities (internal or external stakeholders) need to be represented. Each lane will represent a specific role or group that plays a part in the process.

  2. Define the Starting Point

    Identify the initial trigger action in your process. This could be an action like a customer request or a client confirmation. The starting point may differ for each division, but look for areas where functions intersect and require communication or coordination for smooth progression.

  3. Add Steps to the Process

    Map out the flow of information and tasks from the beginning to the end. For each step, consider what decisions are required, who is involved, and how each task leads to the next. Use sticky notes, shapes, and connecting lines to visually represent the flow, ensuring a logical, readable sequence.

  4. Update and Use with Other Templates

    A cross-functional flowchart can be part of a broader toolkit, so consider linking it with other templates like a product roadmap or stakeholder map. Sharing your chart with teammates and stakeholders helps everyone see both the big picture and essential details, fostering alignment and transparency.

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