Activity chart

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Activity chart is a graphical description of activities and actions used to illustrate workflows. Workflow is a work sequence process. This is a specific position of a state diagram in which mostly or all of the elements have an activity effect (or subactivity) and in which mostly or all of the proceedings are caused by end of the activities or subactivities. The main function is to concentrate on flows pushed by interior processing (UML Revision Task Force p. 299). It describes actions between many objects between which communication occurs during the performance of activities. The activity chart is also used to create how the set of use cases integrates to present business workflows. Using an activity chart, without knowing the domestic information ( they are demanded by collaboration diagram), is really useful to understand the first-class execution attitude of structure (G. Booch i in. 1999, p. 31). Through the activity chart, we can visualize the activities performed by a worker and one (or more) devices at the same time (International Labour Office 1992, p. 123). We can use activity diagrams when all or most of the events end internally ("that is, the procedural flow of control"). Normal diagrams (state diagrams) are used for asynchronous operations (UML Revision Task Force p. 299).

Elements of Activity Chart

The activity chart contains activities and transitions to display the flow of control from one action to another. It "has a start and end nodes" (T. Janowski, M. Hrushikesha 2010, p. 258). There are five key elements in the diagram (Activity, Decision, Synchronization Bars, Transition and Swim Lines). Building a chart, we don't have to use all of these parts. However, using all parts we create a productive scheme. In fact, there are also many diagrams consisting only of Transitions and Activities (Daniel R. Windle, L. Rene Abreo 2003, p. 58). The activity chart consists of a certain number of window form, that are connected together by arrows. Below are the most commonly used and most important window shapes (OMG Unified Modeling Language Superstructure Specification, p. 414-415) :

  • Initial state - a black dot, used as starting point;
  • Action - ellipse/rectangle with rounded corners, it concerns the performance of an action;
  • Arrows - indicate the order of performing the action;
  • Control Flow - two ellipses connected by arrow, it shows the page where the information flows;
  • Decision - rhombus or diamond, gives you the opportunity to choose;
  • Start or Ened Synchronal Activities - "black bars, show the activities carried out at the same time";
  • Flow Final - a circle with an "x" in the middle, is a control final node that ends a flow;
  • Fork - resembles a fork made of arrows, holds up synchronous activities;
  • Swimming lanes - broken solid lines show which element is currently performing the action;
  • The End - a black circle surrounded by a second circle.

Examples of Activity chart

  • A flowchart showing the recruitment process in an organization. It includes steps like job advertisement, selection, interviewing, background checks, and offer.
  • An activity chart illustrating the process of manufacturing a product. It includes activities like obtaining raw materials, production, assembly, and shipping.
  • A schematic diagram that illustrates the processing of customer orders. It includes steps like order entry, payment processing, order fulfillment, and delivery.
  • An activity chart that illustrates the process of analyzing data. It includes steps like data collection, data cleaning, data analysis, and data visualization.

Advantages of Activity chart

Activity charts have a number of advantages as a tool for illustrating workflows. These include:

  • Increased Visibility: Activity charts provide a visual representation of the workflow, allowing for improved understanding of how the various activities and tasks interact with each other.
  • Streamlined Processes: By mapping out the workflow and the activities involved, it is easier to identify areas of inefficiency and to implement changes to streamline the process.
  • Improved Collaboration: Activity charts can be used to illustrate the flow of work between different actors and departments, which can help to improve collaboration.
  • Reduced Costs: By streamlining processes and improving collaboration, activity charts can help to reduce costs for businesses.
  • Improved Efficiency: Activity charts can be used to identify areas of inefficiency in the workflow, allowing for improvements to be made that can increase efficiency.

Limitations of Activity chart

  • Activity charts do not provide an accurate overview of an entire process as they only focus on individual activities.
  • Activity charts do not provide a complete view of the system, as they are limited to activities and do not consider other elements such as data, information, and resource flows.
  • Activity charts are not suitable for complex systems, as the number of activities can quickly become overwhelming.
  • Activity charts can be difficult to understand for non-technical users, as the diagrams are often detailed and complex.
  • Activity charts can be difficult to update and maintain, as any changes to the chart must be reflected in the underlying code.
  • Activity charts can be difficult to use for debugging, as the diagram may not accurately reflect the code or system.

Other approaches related to Activity chart

  • Activity on Arrow (AoA) Diagrams: Activity on Arrow diagrams are a type of flowchart that emphasizes activities (or tasks) and their sequencing. These diagrams represent activities with arrows that point in the direction of the activity's flow.
  • Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN): Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a graphical notation for depicting business processes. It enables users to model a business process from start to finish, including activities, tasks, and events.
  • Event-driven Process Chain (EPC): Event-driven Process Chains (EPCs) are a type of flowchart used to model business processes. They focus on events and the order in which they occur.
  • Gantt Chart: Gantt Charts are a type of bar chart used to track progress over time. They are sometimes used to illustrate the progress of activities in a project.

Activity charts, Activity on Arrow diagrams, Business Process Model and Notation diagrams, Event-driven Process Chains and Gantt Charts are all approaches used to illustrate workflows and sequence of activities. Activity charts are used to visualize the activities performed by a worker and one (or more) devices at the same time. Activity on Arrow diagrams emphasize activities and their sequencing. Business Process Model and Notation diagrams enable users to model a business process from start to finish, including activities, tasks, and events. Event-driven Process Chains focus on events and the order in which they occur. Gantt Charts are used to track progress over time.


Activity chart — recommended articles
Business process modeling — Business process mapping — Spaghetti diagram — Value stream mapping — Kanban methodology — Interrelationship diagram — Matrix diagram — Data flow diagrams — Account format — Homeostasis

References

Author: Sandra Kaczara

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