Swimlane diagram vs flowchart. One example is provided here : swimlane example. Swimlane diagram vs flowchart

 
 One example is provided here : swimlane exampleSwimlane diagram vs flowchart Vertical Swimlane Flowchart ‍ A swimlane flowchart is a diagram that depicts the process of work as a sequence of steps

The diagram. On the other hand, flow diagrams describe the path of data from external sources into processes and data stores that reside within a system. The corresponding lanes each illustrate a theme or item, and so can be used to explain a process flow, stages of a project lifecycle etc. 0 defines two different types of Swimlanes: Pools and Lanes. Create swimlanes for each department by drawing lines to separate them. Production flowchart template. Identify the process. A swim lane map has three elements: time, people (or job functions), and tasks/processes. SmartDraw does much of the drawing for you. This type of chart shows how processes are carried out within a department, as well as the sequence in which tasks should be completed. Swimlane diagrams, also called cross-functional flowcharts, are a popular alternative to ordinary flowcharts because they provide more information about who's involved in the process. The other side argues that mixing the two is entirely appropriate. Grab our swimlane diagram template so you can jump into the pool right away. After that, right-click on any spot of the Worksheet, and a list of commands will appear. Create a swimlane diagram in Lucidchart and help your organization get stuff done. They’re a detailed explanation of each step in a process, no matter the level of complexity of that process. Diagram Stakeholder. 1. two diagrams as well—a swimlane diagram (which was the same as the first study) and a non-swimlane diagram. Process: Represent a step in a process. SIPOC Example - Report of Problem. Much like the lanes of a swimming pool, a swimlane diagram provides clarity and accountability by placing process steps within the horizontal or vertical “swimlanes” of a particular employee, work group or department. Activities relating to particular entities within the model (such as the User, or the back end Repository) can be placed within the same Swimlane to indicate. It can be used by HR and IT departments to educate employees about cyber attacks. The below swim lane diagram is a great way to visualize the steps in planning your business. There is no such thing as a "UML Flowchart". Build a flowchart. Step7 Share and Use a diagram. No prior registration required. To add flowchart items, insert shapes. SET UP. The activity diagram example below describes the workflow for a word process to create a document through the following. Instead of just visualizing the tasks involved in a flow, a swimlane diagram focus on one more aspect - the accountability. A swim lane or flow represents the activities that have to be carried out by a. Finally you hang all the reports and paperwork which is being used or generated below the Swimlane. . There is a process flowchart, swimlane flowchart, workflow chart, data flow diagram, EPC diagram, SDL diagram, process map, decision flowchart, among others. What is a swimlane diagram, anyway? We’ll walk you through examples of swimlane diagrams and explain the differences between a swimlane diagram and a flowcha. Lecture #10. You can have your swimlanes go vertically, horizontally, or both in a grid pattern. Activities or decisions falling within a specific. It can help you to see where potential bottlenecks may occur, and identify areas for improvement. To build a Swimlane chart is quite easy. Click here to connect to LucidChart. Programming flowchart template. Let us look at the main types of flowcharts. By Letícia Fonseca, Apr 06, 2022 A swimlane diagram is a visual representation of a process and its multiple facets. In order to effectively represent who is responsible for each process, it can be realized by swimlane flowchart, which not only reflects the whole activity control flow, but also clearly knows the. document business processes for accounting, project approval and health and safety reporting requirements. An image of a new drawing in Visio for the web demonstrating how to add a swimlane from the Shapes. The difference between a normal flow. For example, in Microsoft Visio, look for the term “functional bands. Prepare a new document. Drag more swimlane shapes from the Shapes window. Click on any of these swimlane diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them: Software Development Swim Lane Diagram Underwriting Process Swim Lane Diagram Swim Lane Flowchart - Financial Accounting. Our intuitive software will help you map out tasks and responsibilities quickly, then update them effortlessly as your needs change. Each can be used and adapted to all types of environments, but they are different tools and picking the best one for. Step 1: Create a Flowchart. A use case diagram is helpful because it allows you to design a system from the perspective of the end user. It will allow workers in customer service to know what is. It can produce swimlane diagram as shown in your picture. Swim lane process diagrams can also easily be produced digitally, and are included in many flow chart products. CONSTRUCT THE FLOWCHART GRAPHICALLY using rows or columns corresponding to the associated work units (e. Mermaid Chart - Create complex, visual diagrams with text. A swim lane diagram is a type of flow chart or cross-functional diagram, in which the process is subdivided into categories. Click Categories, click Flowchart, and then double-click the Cross-Functional Flowchart thumbnail to create a new drawing. Flowcharts are diagrams that use shapes to show the types and flow of steps in a process. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Start Visio. Swim lanes may be arranged either horizontally or vertically. : Conversion, Rollback &. Swimlane diagram: A swim lane flowchart is constructed in a vertical fashion, like swim lanes in a pool. BPMN was originally developed in 2004 by the Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI). Visually separating the steps in a process. The four main flowchart types include decision flowcharts, logic flowcharts, system flowcharts, and process flowcharts. To create a swimlane diagram using Venngage’s Swimlane Diagram Maker, simply follow these steps: Step 1: Sign up for a new account to start using Venngage’s Swimlane Diagram Maker for free. Add swimlanes to linear processes. Data flow diagram often used in connection with human process and can be displayed as workflow diagram. Add swimlanes to process maps and flowcharts effortlessly. This is very similar to what a project manager accomplishes when creating a RACI matrix. A process is described as a cross-functional when it involves multiple departments, and a swimlane flowchart illustrates the sequence of activities required to accomplish a cross-functional process. Using swimlane diagrams can help you: Enhance clarity and accountability by defining who is responsible for each process step. It can produce swimlane diagram as shown in your picture. From there, you can edit the shapes, lanes, colors, and text by dragging and clicking on the different elements. e. The specific sequence is less important than determining all of the steps at this point (although thinking sequentially may help identify any missing steps). To create a swim lane just type swimlane on the search menu. From all that we have said so far, we can conclude that the so-called swimlane diagrams are an improved type of flowcharts. It’s easiest to map things out on your swimlane flowchart if you start at the beginning, as then you can move through the rest of the process in order. Drag another swimlane shape near the first one, releasing it when you see the connection. JavaScript based diagramming and charting tool that renders Markdown-inspired text definitions to create and modify diagrams dynamically. Step 2: Choose a swimlane diagram template from Venngage’s massive collection of diagrams and flowchart templates. Before we get into the nitty. In the Shapes window, in the Cross-Functional Flowchart Shapes stencil, drag a Swimlane shape (either horizontal or vertical) onto an empty area of the diagram. But sequence diagrams represents the interaction between classes or objects according to time. This article explores the Six Sigma Process Map, different process map shapes, and process mapping icons. What is the difference between a flowchart and a swim lane diagram? A flowchart is a diagram designed to outline a process, system, or algorithm. The most significant risk is the loss of information, especially in the case of numerous tests and procedures. Process maps provide a visual guide for a process, helping you see all required steps in sequential order. Activity diagrams represents the flow of use cases. First you identify all departments/people involved and create a lane for each one of them. Gateway: thể hiện các cổng điều kiện có trong quy trình. Simple flowchart template. flowchart. Waterfall works best for projects completed in a linear fashion and does not allow going back to a prior phase. 1) Look in the Shape Library along the left side of your canvas for the Swimlane sub-section. Build a flowchart. Best all-purpose diagramming software. Here are the steps you need to follow to make a basic swimlane diagram in Microsoft Visio: Open Visio and select the type of process flowchart you want to create. So, figure out what the first step in your process is. For horizontal swimlanes, the process flows from left to right, while in vertical swimlanes, the process flows from top to bottom. Each lane represents a different actor or function. Here’s a recap of the most commonly used symbols with a more complete list in the image below: Process: Signifies any process, action, or operation. Agile methods break projects into smaller, iterative periods. From the Cross Functional Flowchart tab, select Swimlane. Lanes are used to organise and categorise activities. ‍. Type “2. Template 1: Swimlane Flowchart For Sales Process. Activity: thể hiện hành động. While I don’t expect to resolve this argument within this. Clearly define the boundaries of each process to ensure a focused and manageable analysis. A Swim Lane diagram is a process flowchart that allows you to visually distinguish duties and responsibilities, as well as sub-processes within these business processes. using use case (system behaviour) diagram you can. They are similar to flowcharts, and show the outcomes of each action, and actions that happen after specific responses. Open PowerPoint and select a new blank presentation. Project managers use a flow chart to offer a clear picture of process and to find ways to improve project efficiency. The boxes represent activities, the lines (or. Swim Lane Diagram. Definition. When To Use Swimlane Flowcharts? A swimlane diagram is a type of flowchart that delineates who does what in a process. Activity diagram is used for the purpose of functional modelling. For example, in Microsoft Visio, look for the term “functional bands. STEP 3: Create Swimlane Flowchart. Download EdrawMax. It's a common process analysis tool and one of the. Based on the analogy of lanes in a pool, a swimlane diagram places process steps within the horizontal or vertical “swimlanes” of a particular department, work group or employee, thus ensuring clarity and accountability. This is an example of a swimlane activity diagram. A swimlane diagram is a way to understand a multi-faceted business process in a single glance. Ein Swimlane Diagramm ist eine Art von Flussdiagramm, das aufzeigt, wer in einem Prozess wofür zuständig ist bzw. Rectangle – General considered to be the go-to symbol in a swim lane diagram. Step 1: Open PowerPoint and navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab. Click “OK” to finish. The defining characteristic of this diagram are the parallel lanes that divides the entire chart. The critical Process Flow Diagram is another flowchart technique for. A Swim Lane Process Map is a specialized form of flowchart designed to make complex processes easier to understand by visually organizing tasks, activities, and decisions. Create swimlanes. Swimlane Diagram Template - 6 Swimlanes. They may look a lot like DFDs, but they have a significant difference. Customize the diagram for your solution. 1. Learn how to reference charts and graphs in your documents here. Flowchart represents information or processes as boxes, lines, and text. View on GitHub. A cross-functional flowchart, also known as a swimlane diagram or deployment flowchart, is a visual tool used to illustrate the flow of activities, information, or responsibilities across different functional areas or departments within an organization. Step 3: Create the swimlanes. Subscribe on YouTube: S. Learn how to reference charts and graphs in your documents here. This swimlane diagram illustrates how to solve a cyber security issue. Usually in the context of B2B situations. What are swimming pools? Swimlane. A swimlane diagram is a visual project management tool that helps distinguish key roles, organizes processes, and illustrates interactions. In a horizontal swimlane, the. BPMN helps you: To visualize your business process. Our intuitive software will help you map out tasks and responsibilities quickly, then update them effortlessly as your needs change. 1. A swim-lane flowchart is one type of process flowchart. Visio Plan 1 and Plan 2 users can view, create, and edit swimlane diagrams in a browser. Swimlane diagram software refers to any program or app that can generate process flowcharts that group sub-processes by agent and show how their efforts interconnect to complete that process. A swimlane is a way to group activities performed by the same actor on an activity diagram or to group activities in a single thread. Go to the Insert. “A swimlane diagram is a type of flowchart that delineates who does what in a process. Swimlane diagram software. Using Venngage's swimlane workflow diagram infographic template, create a swimlane workflow diagram infographic. Managing the large activity diagram: Swim Lane. You can either read on to get the whole history of swim lane diagrams, or just. Conversion:. It shows connections, communication. Ein Swimlane Diagramm ist eine Art von Flussdiagramm, das aufzeigt, wer in einem Prozess wofür zuständig ist bzw. Flowcharts, sometimes spelled as flow charts, use rectangles, ovals, diamonds and potentially numerous other. First of all, a swimlane diagram serves as a clean, easy-to-follow way to identify multiple actors or phases in a system. If Swimlane shapes aren't there, you'll need to add them by clicking More Shapes at the bottom of the Shape Library, expanding the Basic and Flowchart section and ticking the Swim Lanes box. It makes it easy to read. A Swim Lane Map is used to analyze complex business processes that are cross-functional in nature. Click on a shape and drag it to the appropriate position within your chosen. By providing a bird's eye view of an entire process, flowcharts enhance understanding, improve. data flow diagram vs. For example, a customer order can trigger a production process, which in turn will trigger a logistics process. This post will walk you through all the basics of swim lane diagrams, including how to create your own one step at a time. g. 🧩 Integrations available!Swimlane: linh hồn của BPMN, thể hiện hành động theo các vai trò một cách rõ ràng. The pair built on pre-existing multi-column process charts to better illustrate processes involving more than one unit or department. To expand, a swimlane diagram is usually composed of several lanes — like swimming pool lanes — and each lane is dedicated to a department (e. Click Shape Format, and on the left, choose the Shape Fill dropdown arrow. Edraw Max is a flowchart desktop program for Mac system with myriad symbols in the built-in libraries. So, DFD is the graphical representation of the flow of data or information. The boxes represent activities, the lines (or flowlines ) represent the workflow that connects them, and the text represents what happens at each activity. Choose a swimlane template and populate it with your flowchart data. Data Flow Diagram; History of Workflow Diagram; Get the Most Out of Your Workflow Diagrams with Smartsheet for Project Management;. [1] Their method of diagramming allows you to quickly and easily plot and trace processes and, in particular, the interconnections between departments and teams. They show who or what is responsible for each step in a process. Note: The new lanes will be added at a default size to maintain consistency. A detailed flowchart is a close-up view of the process, typically showing dozens of steps. More precisely, swimlane diagrams include swimlanes that separate different process. A basic flowchart consists of a series of process steps connected by arrows showing the order of operations. All templates are well pre-designed and with automatic. Growth monitoring of children. However, while a flowchart shows only activities, a swimlane diagram adds what person, role, entity, or process performs the actions. The symbols and short, clear terms will help you get across your message faster and easier than normal narrative information, improving the communication among the team. To get started, take your pick of Figma flowchart templates: Process flowcharts break down a big. It provides a clearer picture of. You'll learn how to make the swimlane containers and labels and then. A swimlane chart is a flowchart with multiple lanes (metaphorical to pool lanes), each one representing the people involved in the process. Map out each step, decision point, and interaction within the process. Click the File tab, and then click New. Click on a swim lane header and choose to add “swim lane” before or after. their sequence) but they don’t. To build a Swimlane chart is quite easy. While the basic flowchart clearly illustrates the entire process, it does not clearly show which role is responsible for each step of the process. I would recommend working in the cloud to instigate auto-saving in order to combat these issues. Flowcharts. Thirdly, click on cell C5 to insert that Oval shape in the Customer container. 3. The most important difference between flowcharts and swimlane diagrams is the separation in lanes. Swimlane diagrams are particularly useful for processes that involve multiple steps or stages. It shows connections, communication and. Swimlane diagrams make it easy to see an entire workflow and indicate who will take on each step from start-to-finish. Because the CFF structure is a list, the text you typed appears in the list heading. A swimlane diagram is a simple and effective visual tool to jumpstart your next big design challenge, improving the planning process for better end results. While the basic flowchart clearly illustrates the entire process, it does not clearly show which role is responsible for each step of the process. . Activity Diagrams were created in UML to fill the same role. Using the metaphor of lanes in a pool, a swimlane diagram provides clarity and accountability by placing process steps within the horizontal or vertical “swimlanes” of a particular employee, work group or department. Drag a swim lane shape and drop it where you want it to be from Cross-Functional flowchart shapes. This problem may also be triggered by the usual habit of filling in charts at the end of the shift. These flowcharts make it easy to identify complexity, excessive steps, etc. Visio Diagrams Flowcharts Add swimlanes to a flowchart Add swimlanes to a flowchart Visio Plan 2 Visio Professional 2021 Visio Standard 2021 More. Jenis flowchart yang lain. There are two kinds of swimlanes in BPMN: Pools and Lanes. Process 1: this signifies any process, action, or operation. Agile focuses on adaptive, simultaneous workflows. Visio Plan 1 and Plan 2 users can view, create, and edit swimlane diagrams in a browser. A swim lane flow chart which is also known as swim lane diagram or cross functional diagram is a commonly used process or technique in companies and organizations to. It is called a swimlane as it adopts the concept of lanes in a swimming pool to represent duties and tasks within a group or entire organization. 2. We recommend three steps to follow when creating/obtaining such a that assists your organization when c onverting EPC Models to Swimlane Models . Types Of Flowcharts Among the mass, there are four common types of flowcharts. Figma automatically saves edits as you work, and lets you share ideas with team members via an online collaborative whiteboard. Swimlane Diagram Template - 5 Swimlanes. Process maps are a powerful planning and management tool that help you improve and streamline a process's workflow. Sales Order Swimlane Flowcharts are also a good way for management to visualize the order process from start to finish. 2. Swimlane, also known as cross-functional flow-charts, is one of the most popular ways to describe complicated processes with multiple participants. While it is typically used by business analysts and managers, its simple and understandable set of shapes and flows makes it a good. The following is a basic overview, with descriptions and meanings, of the most common flowchart symbols - also commonly called flowchart shapes, flow diagram symbols or process mapping symbols, depending upon what type of diagram you're creating. They can even edit swimlane diagrams that were created in one of the desktop versions of Visio. The main difference between activity diagram and flowchart is that an activity diagram is a UML behavior diagram that represents the workflow of stepwise activities of the system while a flowchart is a graphical diagram that represents the sequence of steps to solve a problem. Then click insert “swim lane” shape on the arrow that appears. Opportunity Swimlane Flowchart Example. 3. These rows, called swimlanes or pools, are a core part of the structure of BPMN. Each lane acts as a space for a business role or department in this flowchart. Start Lane 1 Lane 2 Lane 3 Decision 1 Step 1 Step 2 Step 1a Decision 2 End Step 3 What is a Swimlane Diagram? Learn More Why Swimlane Diagrams Are Useful Learn More. Select the Add button to add the stencil to your palette. No more having to use Microsoft Visio when you can download in PPT directly and just edit the text to get started. Swimlane diagrams show how interdependent procedures unfold in parallel, presenting a collection of distinct but linked process flowchart examples. A swimlane diagram, also known as a cross-functional flowchart or a process map, is a type of flowchart that visualizes a process flow across different departments or individuals. Process maps provide a visual guide for a process, helping you see all required steps in sequential order. To use swimlanes in an activity diagram, we need to. Inspection: is to check the quality or the quantity of the material. A swimlane diagram is a type of process flow diagram (also sometimes called a cross-functional diagram) that features divisions or "lanes. Project Swimlane Diagram Symbols and Attributes Explained. Workflow diagrams, data flow diagrams, and flowcharts all involve various shapes and arrows. The Process Flow Chart originated in 1921 and is pretty simple with 5 symbols: Operation: is to change the physical or chemical characteristics of the material. Drag a swim. In a Swimlane diagram, each stage of the process is represented by a lane, and tasks or activities are shown as boxes within each lane. It shows the responsibilities for each task by each employee “lane. Create swimlanes. (NOTE. Swimlane diagrams, flowcharts and cross-functional flowcharts are used throughout organisations: onboard new team members. Visio is often listed as the go-to application for flowchart design, thanks to the wide variety of diagrams it can produce. Swimlanes. flow-charts. The first step in creating your swimlane diagram in Excel is to adjust the height and width of the cells in your spreadsheet. The more stakeholders involved in a project, the easier it is for roles to blend into one another and for responsibilities to get. Swimlanes are horizontal or vertical lanes in an activity diagram that are used to organize and categorize activities based on the role or responsibility of the participant performing the activity. It’s a powerful tool that can be used in multiple fields for planning, visualizing, documenting, and improving processes. 25/user/month. In project management, a flow chart is a visual aid to understand the methodology you’re using to manage the project. This is an example of Swimlane flowchart of Deployment flowchart. Adding Swimlanes. Business process flow example. Swim lane diagrams are flowcharts that depict a process from beginning to end. 652 templates. Simply click on ‘Templates’ on the left-hand side of the page, and select either ‘swimlane flowchart’ or ‘decision flowchart. Value Stream Maps are sometimes called Material and Information Flow Diagrams. By structuring a typical flowchart as a series of lanes, the diagram shows who is responsible for each step of the process and the order in which they work. This Swimlane Map is especially helpful when establishing work instructions and training for the new process because it makes each participant’s role explicit. In this flowchart, the processes are split. This type of diagram is used to identify what specifically needs to get done, who needs to do it, and when they need to get it done. Process Flowchart. Pools. A Q&A process flow starts from a user entering a request and ends with the user receiving e-mail notification about a response. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Add swimlanes to a flowchart. But that line of thinking is a one-way ticket to confusing. Swimlanes. Stylize Your Flowchart. Creating a flowchart is the first activity of a process improvement effort because of the. They are widely used in multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and communicate often complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams. Think about the starting point and endpoint of the entire process and all the steps or decisions in between. Flowcharts explained. The difference is in the visual structure. To delete all Swimlanes and their contents. Define swimlanes. Learn how to draw Visio Swimlane Process Flow Diagram in this Step by Step Tutorial. g. Lane – represents a sub-partition within a pool. , provider, nursing). How to manually make a swimlane diagram in PowerPoint. 3. Swimlane diagrams offer several benefits for cross-functional processes, such as providing a comprehensive overview of the process, aligning expectations and goals, identifying and eliminating. For one thing, it costs time. Share. Firstly, go to the Insert tab. Cyber attack swimlane flowchart. 95/user/month and has a free trial. In a BPMN diagram, a Participant can be a specific Partner Entity like a company or a Partner Role such as a buyer, seller, or manufacturer. To access all shapes, enable Creately’s flowchart shapes library. 3. flowchart LR %% this is a comment A -- text --> B {node} A -- text --> B -- text2 --> C. Move: is transporting the material from one place to another. Flowcharts are a vital tool for visualizing and simplifying complex processes, tasks, or systems. In layman’s terms, a swimlane diagram is a flowchart that states who does what and when in a specific business process and/or workflow. You may be familiar with swimlane diagrams, which are a type of flowchart that use columns or rows to organize a process. Map the process from beginning to end. If you haven’t used them, swimlane diagrams combine the logic of a flow chart with the accountability of an action item list. In the accompanying example, the swimlanes are named Customer, Sales. Swim lanes may be arranged either horizontally or vertically. Swimlanes is a diagram, which means it visualizes the process steps you want to share with everyone. ” However, I prefer paper over computer. Laying out concurrent tasks and milestones on different lanes so they don’t overlap, it. #processflowdiagram #processflowchart #swimlane #businessanalystHi everyone, Welcome back to my channel! I'm back with a new video on how to draw a Swimlane. For businesses, swimlane diagrams. More precisely, swimlane diagrams include swimlanes that separate different process participants or functional areas. Flexibility to create charts and diagrams of processes and projects no matter the degree of complexity. ” It is useful for uprooting blocks in processes between departments. Basic flowchart: A great option for straightforward, general-purpose charts conveying basic information. It is used to represent the timing of various tasks that are required to complete a project. A Sales Order Swimlane Flowchart template is a helpful way to visualize the flow of sales orders through your business. Any text after the start of the comment to the next newline will be treated as a comment, including any flow syntax. Disclaimer: There is also a relative newcomer in the form of Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN). Swimlane diagrams are a type of process flowchart that show how different roles or departments interact with each other to complete a task or a project. ANSWER. The diagram has four swimlanes, each with a different data category. There is a process flowchart, swimlane flowchart, workflow chart, data flow diagram, EPC diagram, SDL diagram, process map, decision flowchart, among others. Notations and symbols. You'll be able to continue adding shapes and the lanes will automatically expand horizontally to accommodate your chart. Step #3: Add individual steps along each lane through to the end of your process, and explain what each represents in. Don’t add more than 5 swimlanes. In activity diagrams, swimlanes – also known as partitions – are used to represent or group actions carried out by different actors in a single thread. in a process and should be used when you want to standardize or make changes in the process. Build Flowcharts. From the Cross Functional Flowchart tab, select Swimlane. It can help you to identify and track the different tasks that need to be completed, and it can also help you to visualize the dependencies between tasks. How to Use a Swimlane Flowchart Template. Well, a flowchart presents a diagrammatic, step-by-step solution to a specific problem. Go to visio. The Process Flow chart equips a visual representation of the stages in a process. Activity diagrams focus on representing the work flow of a system by pictorial representation of the message flow from one activity to another. Again,. With this template teams using Figma can collaborate in real-time and build process flows. Add swimlanes to linear processes. Swim lanes use standard flowchart symbols to represent different events within the process, such as when a decision should be made or a specific action should be taken. Cross functional flowcharts use swim lanes to provide an extra dimension by assigning each process step to a category. The four main elements of a swim lane diagram are: Swimlanes. A swimlane flowchart is an essential tool for documenting and analyzing processes. It’s easiest to map things out on your swimlane flowchart if you start at the beginning, as then you can move through the rest of the process in order.