PRINCE2 Creating a product flow diagram
A product flow diagram may be helpful in identifying and defining the sequence in which the products of the plan will be developed and any dependencies between them.
The product flow diagram also helps to identify dependencies on any products outside the scope of the plan.
This leads naturally to the consideration of the activities required, and provides the information for other planning techniques, such as estimating and scheduling.
When creating a product flow diagram, you will want to consider the following:
Although the project or team manager is responsible for the creation of the product flow diagram, it is sensible to involve those who are to develop or contribute to the products contained within the plan.
Rather than preparing the product flow diagram after the product breakdown structure has been drawn, some planners prefer to create the product flow diagram in parallel with the product breakdown structure.
A product flow diagram needs very few symbols. Each product to be developed within the plan in question is identified – these could be enclosed in a rectangle, and the sequence in which they are to be created is shown via arrows.
Any products that already exists or that come from work outside the scope of the plan, should be clearly identified as product to be sourced externally to the project. That is, they may be enclosed in a different shape such as an ellipse.
It may be useful to add a starting point in the product flow diagram to which all the entry points are attached.
There is always one exit on a product flow diagram, but when there are many entrances such a place marker prevents any from being overlooked.
The symbol becomes the predecessor for all entry points and would be the only symbol of a product flow diagram that is not on the product breakdown structure.
The product flow diagram may be derived from a benefits map linking outputs, outcomes and benefits, thereby ensuring the project products will deliver the outputs and outcomes required in order to realize the benefits.
Become a Qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner Just Days From Now HERE!
This course is DEPRECATED
The old PRINCE2 6th Edition Foundation and Practitioner syllabus was upgraded in 2024. Check out the brand NEW PRINCE2 7th Edition Masterclass, covering all the current syllabus, training material and online exam benefits HERE
Your Route To PRINCE2 6th Edition Practitioner
Study PRINCE2 6 Foundation and Practitioner Exams with our famous on-line course with streaming HD Video Lessons, study guides and mock exams. In the last fifteen years we have had 6,000+ Academy students successfully transform their careers as PRINCE2 Practitioners.
