How to Show a Loop (Rework) in a Visio Flowchart
Real processes repeat: a document goes back for changes until it's approved. Learn how to draw a rework loop in a Visio flowchart so it stays clear and easy to read.
Step by step
Intro
- Loops in flowcharts. Real processes go round in circles. A document goes back for changes until someone approves it. Here's how to show that loop clearly in a Visio flowchart.
- Basic Flowchart Shapes. I'm using the Basic Flowchart Shapes stencil.
The main path
- Build the main path. Start with the start shape. The analyst drafts the requirements. Then stakeholders review them. Connect the two.
The decision
- The decision. The loop always starts at a decision. Are the requirements approved? Connect the review to the decision.
The rework step
- The rework step. If not, someone updates the document. Put the rework step off to the side, so the main path stays straight. Connect the decision to it, and label the line no.
- Close the loop. Here's the loop. Connect the update back to the review. Visio routes the line around for you.
The way out
- The way out. Every loop needs a way out. If the answer is yes, the requirements are signed off. Connect it, and label this one yes.
- Done. Click away to see the loop.
Loop rules
- Loop rules. Two rules for loops. A loop always comes out of a decision, never out of a normal step. And the arrow goes back to the step that gets repeated, not to the start.
