Flow process chart (FPC) is an analytical tool that shows detailed information of a manufacturing process, which includes sequence of all operations and inspection, transportation (time and traveling distances, if any), delay, and storage. An FPC contains more information that an OPC (from Lab 1), and therefore, an analyst can understand the process in more detail and can better determine potential areas for improvement. Similar to OPC, information required to construct an FPC is obtained from direct observations and measurements.
FPCs are usually constructed for two methods: one for the current (or present) method that the process is carried out, and the other for the proposed method that could improve the process. FPCs can also be categorized into three types depending on the subject that is being observed: worker, material, and machine.