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HOW TO CREATE CROSS-FUNCTIONAL FLOWCHARTS

Reading time: about 5 min

A cross-functional flowchart is a popular way to show processes, create a
process map, or break a decision down into multiple steps. With different
options for showing complex information, cross-functional flowcharts offer
flexibility and support creative chart-building for different fields and use
cases. 


WHAT IS A CROSS-FUNCTIONAL FLOWCHART?

Beyond a simple flowchart, cross-functional flowcharts allow for greater
complexity. Cross-functional flowcharts are a flexible solution for visualizing
information that’s complex, presenting information in multiple categories, and
including different steps or functional units. With each separate swimlane, you
can break down your flowchart to highlight important distinctions. For instance,
you can show process flows in sequential order, one after another, to document a
manufacturing process. 


USE CASES FOR A CROSS-FUNCTIONAL FLOWCHART

Cross-functional flowcharts can be used for a variety of purposes including: 

 * Showing relationships: Show how different team members, stakeholders, or
   objects relate to each other. Different swimlanes define a timeline, phase,
   or other important distinction. 
 * Describing functions: Different functional areas can be separated within a
   cross-functional flowchart. 
 * Connecting departments: Your flowchart can show the connections between
   phases undertaken by different departments in your organization. 
 * Explaining a process: Breaking a process down into discrete phases or steps,
   your flowchart can help you organize complex work into a visual format. 
 * Identifying opportunities: These flowcharts can be used to separate
   value-adding work from steps that don’t add value or waste resources. Using
   two columns or swimlanes, you divide your process steps into these two
   categories. This process can help you find opportunities to refine your work
   toward a business goal. 


HOW TO MAKE A CROSS-FUNCTIONAL FLOWCHART

Creating a cross-functional flowchart starts with taking notes about your
process or information to identify steps, distinctions, and sections for your
diagram. You want to think carefully about what your goals are for the flowchart
and what you intend to show. 


 1. CREATE A DIAGRAM USING SOFTWARE

However you decide to create your flowchart, you’re going to need to start with
a basic diagram you can edit. You can create your flowchart using intelligent
diagramming software like Lucidchart. This working draft will take shape over
time as you add details and begin labeling each segment and object. 


 2. CHOOSE A VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL CHART 

The best way to orient your chart may vary depending on your goals and the types
of information you’re visualizing. You could use a horizontal chart to display
time divided into phases. On the other hand, vertical charts can show a
project’s flow through various functional departments. 

With some creativity, both horizontal and vertical flowcharts are useful for a
wide range of needs. Adding more columns or rows can be helpful for displaying
detail and depth. 


 3. LIST STEPS OR SWIMLANES

As you start, carefully list any steps or swimlanes that are part of your chart.
If you’re showing the passing of time, you can use swimlanes to indicate phases
with vector lines and shapes. The beauty of cross-functional flowcharts is that
you can place more than one step at a time inside each phase if necessary. 

From this list, you can begin labeling your cross-functional flowchart. 


 4. ADD SHAPES TO SHOW OBJECTS, PEOPLE, AND DEPARTMENTS 

Actors are responsible for parts of your process—people, departments, systems,
and others are typically represented with shapes or labels. Your process may
have a single phase with more than one actor responsible.


IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR CROSS-FUNCTIONAL FLOWCHARTS 

As you develop your flowchart, consider how these best practices can help you
create better visuals. 

 * Lean into premade shapes and patterns: There’s no shame in using predefined
   shapes, and there’s not much benefit to reinventing the wheel with your
   flowchart. Templates and built-in designs simplify the process so it’s easier
   to plan your process. 
 * Know your actors: Within your process, any person, group, or object taking an
   active role is an actor. Identify who the actors are and note wherever they
   are in your chart. Some actors are likely to show up in more than one
   swimlane and may be part of several segments of your process. 
 * Collaborate with your team: Getting input from everyone could be valuable as
   you design your flowchart. Since cross-functional processes often involve
   more than one department, it may make sense for you to have many different
   people reviewing and commenting on your chart. A process involving outside
   stakeholders should include their input on the project. 
 * Take advantage of swimlanes: By adding segments to your flowchart, you can
   increase the complexity of your visuals and show important
   interrelationships. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of what
   cross-functional flowcharts have to offer, since they can help you show
   information with more depth than a typical chart. 


HOW LUCIDCHART CAN HELP 

Lucidchart allows anyone to create an account and start making their own
cross-functional flowcharts. You can take advantage of a pre-built library with
flowchart shapes and flowchart templates to make a chart that fits your own use
case. Just choose the appropriate template and start inserting your own
content. 

When you’re ready, you can share your flowchart with your colleagues or bring
your diagram into other apps through Lucidchart’s integrations. 

Start creating your own cross-functional flowchart in Lucidchart.

 



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START CREATING YOUR OWN CROSS-FUNCTIONAL FLOWCHART IN LUCIDCHART.

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ABOUT LUCIDCHART

Lucidchart is the intelligent diagramming application that empowers teams to
clarify complexity, align their insights, and build the future—faster. With this
intuitive, cloud-based solution, everyone can work visually and collaborate in
real time while building flowcharts, mockups, UML diagrams, and more.

The most popular online Visio alternative, Lucidchart is utilized in over 180
countries by millions of users, from sales managers mapping out target
organizations to IT directors visualizing their network infrastructure.



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