Here is a Microsoft Visio diagram I created to illustrate the convoluted processes by which documents move around within my department and finally end up in what is called an "As-Built Packet." This is a more visually appealing - and more visually accessible - version of a classic 'swimlane' diagram. Each horizontal bar is a 'lane' which represents either a department within the organization or a specific role within a department. Most of the shapes were found in the selection provided with the software. However, some of them I had to create myself, either from scratch or by modifying shapes provided. Specifically, I created the filing cabinets, the blueprint, the clock, the notebook, the brown accordian file, and I added the hard-hat to the contractor. I also created the custom conveyor-belt line type. I strongly believe that visual metaphors such as these make it much easier for people to understand and internalize the message of a diagram as opposed to just a bunch of text in boxes.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRLkq0xc0nKsD33fufhm4hq9h8VuQoVaNhI6qvrEiCzWYfVFE_58php7MtbZ46S-gp4Dt-sE4t7jvo5dJyEmRIBR7yuPkUApGlVbrlhWsT94Bqeqid_xAs6ieti0QVzdeZjfPP5xDjCs/s400/As-Built+-+Document+Flow+-+LoRes.gif) |
(Click on the image to go to a full-size .PDF file of the diagram.) |
The content of this post is Copyright © 2012 by Grant Sheridan Robertson.
This diagram is posted with the permission of my boss.