Cross Functional Flowchart
Plan for any undesirable actions, outcomes, or behaviors that occur in the workplace. Clarify different team responsibilities and identify bottlenecks using a Cross-Functional flowchart.
About the Cross-Functional Flowchart
Cross-functional flowcharts (also known as a “swim lane diagram” or “cross-functional process map” ) can help you visualize business relationships and end-to-end project contributions. These elements that depend on each other can include the relationship between functions and stakeholders (such as departments and clients) or project phases and milestones.
The map format allows you to make your business processes or project phases more transparent with added layers of detail and structure.
Keep reading to learn more about cross-functional flowcharts.
What is a Cross-Functional flowchart?
A cross-functional flowchart shows how people from different teams contribute to, and complete, a business process or project.
The lanes in the chart can help separate and clarify which department, employee, or person outside of the business contributes to a business or project.
Each person (such as a customer, client, or representative from a specific function) who contributes to the big-picture process is assigned a lane. That assigned area outlines all the activities they are responsible for moving forward to the finish line.
When to use a Cross-Functional flowchart
Cross-functional flowcharts can be used to improve your team and organizational processes. These changes can include the need to work out what factors create inefficiencies and address delays that impact both internal and external stakeholders.
A cross-functional flowchart can also help different teams or departments better understand each other’s responsibilities and capabilities. These details are especially useful when people haven’t worked together before or struggle to understand what different teams do on a day-to-day basis. Consistently collaborating with an online flowchart creates greater transparency and alignment.
Create your own Cross-Functional flowchart
Making your own cross-functional flowchart is easy. Miro’s virtual collaboration platform is the perfect flowchart maker and canvas for sharing them. Get started by selecting the Cross-Functional Flowchart Template, then take the following steps to make one of your own.
1. Decide what your lanes are.
Decide what divisions (functions) or identities (internal or external stakeholders) need representation on the flow chart.
2. Define what the start of your process is.
What’s the first action that triggers a series of tasks or interactions? Maybe it’s a client confirmation or a customer request. Each division will have a different starting point, but you’ll see that there may be points in the journey or interaction where functions or individuals coincidentally meet (or need to coordinate and communicate, for a smoother process to roll out).
3. Keep adding steps to your process until you get to the last step or endpoint.
What does the flow of information look like from start to finish? What decisions need to be made? Ask yourself and your team these questions as you map out each situation. Try to convert your quick sketches to sticky notes, shapes, and connecting lines that work together to create a logical flow chart.
4. Update your flow chart as needed—and use it alongside other process-based templates.
Cross-functional process maps were designed to work alongside – or be connected to – other templates, such as a product roadmap or stakeholder mapping tool. Rally your teammates, stakeholders, and leadership team around a people-first vision by helping them see the bigger picture alongside the all-important details.
Get started with this template right now.
Product Roadmap by Mark V. Smetanin
Works best for:
Product Management, Roadmap
Learn to craft effective product plans with the How to Create Product Roadmap by Mark V. Smetanin. This template guides you through outlining key milestones, setting priorities, and visualizing your product journey. Use it to align your team, maintain focus, and achieve strategic goals. Ideal for product managers and teams looking for a structured approach to product development and clear communication with stakeholders.
Social Media Calendar Template
Works best for:
Project Planning, Marketing
Most businesses have a social media presence, but many of them aren’t using social media as a competitive differentiator. The Social Media Calendar template allows you to plan, schedule, and craft posts for LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, so you can leverage social media as a strategic tool to promote your brand. Use the Social Media Calendar template to plan out your social content a week, month, or quarter in advance. Collaborate with the marketing team, prepare for product launches and major initiatives, and share draft social posts.
Year Timeline Template
Works best for:
Timeline, Planning
The Year Timeline template provides a comprehensive view of annual events and milestones. Perfect for planning yearly goals, tracking progress, and scheduling important dates, this template helps you stay organized and focused throughout the year.
Project Status Report Template
Works best for:
Project Management, Documentation, Project Planning
When a project is in motion, the project manager must keep clients and shareholders updated on the project’s progress. Rather than waste time with constant meetings, leaders can send out weekly or daily project status reports to keep everyone informed. You can use the Project Status Report Template to streamline the report creation and distribution process.
Competitor Product Research
Works best for:
Product Management, Planning
The Competitor Product Research template assists product teams in analyzing competitor offerings and market landscapes effectively. By identifying competitor strengths, weaknesses, and market trends, this template enables teams to uncover insights and opportunities for differentiation. With sections for conducting feature comparisons, SWOT analysis, and market positioning assessments, it facilitates informed decision-making and strategic planning. This template serves as a valuable resource for gaining competitive intelligence and driving product innovation and differentiation.
Epic & Feature Roadmap Planning
Epic & Feature Roadmap Planning template facilitates the breakdown of large-scale initiatives into manageable features and tasks. It helps teams prioritize development efforts based on business impact and strategic objectives. By visualizing the relationship between epics and features, teams can effectively plan releases and ensure alignment with overall project goals and timelines.