Flowcharts (page75-76)
A flowchart is an analytical technique used to describe some aspect an information system in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Flowcharts use a standard set of symbols to describe pictorially the transaction processing procedures a company uses and the flow of data through a system. The symbols used to create flowcharts are shown in Figure 3-8.
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Flow charting was introduced by industrial engineers in the 1950s as a way of (1) recording how business processes are performed and documents flow and (2) analyzing how to improve processes and document flows. Soon internal auditors began using flowcharts in operational audits to better understand their company' business processes. Later, external auditors began using flowcharts to evaluate their clients internal controls. Flowcharts became even more important when the sarbanes-Oxley act required companies to document their business process and internal controls.
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Flowcharts have significant advantages. A pictorial representation is much easier to understand than a narrative description. Both the auditor and the business owner can use the flowchart as a working tool during discussions. For an experienced flowcharter using a computerized drawing tool, flowcharts provide and easy way to capture and record data during interview they can be easily and quickly revised.
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Flowcharts do have some disadvantages. Some people do not like or understand them are poorly drawn and therefore not as helpful as they should be. They are time-consuming to prepare if the flowcharter is not trained properly.
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Early flowcharts were drawn using a flowcharting template, a piece of hard, flexible plastic on which symbols have been die cut. Most flowcharts are now drawn using a software program such as Visio. Flowcharts can also be drwn using Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
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Flow charting symbols are divided into four categories, as shown in figure 3-8.
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1. Input/Output symbols represent devices or media that provide input to or record output from processing operations.
2. Processing symbols show what types of devices are used to process data or indicate when processing is performed manually.
Storage symbols represent the devices used to store data.
4. flow and miscellaneous symbols indicate the flow of data, where flowcharts begin or end, where decisions are made, and when to add explanatory notes to flowcharts.