Flow charting software paints process pictures

Flow charting is finding new adherents in the manufacturing arena. Pennsylvania Machine Works Inc., a manufacturer of forged steel pipe fittings, uses Patton & Patton's Flow Charting 4 software in just about every area of its operations. The company has between 300 and 350 charts covering everything from the very basic to the most complex operation. Flow charts at the company show such things as the correct procedure for setting up a machine, how to inspect a product, how to grind a tool, how to calibrate an instrument, and how to handle a customer inquiry or a complaint. All charts are subject to period quality audits and revised when necessary. Since companywide flow charting was implemented in 1990, ontime delivery has risen from 88.3% to 99.7% and shipping accuracy has improved from 99% to 99.8%. The ways in which various manufacturers have successfully begun using different software flow charting packages are described.