Main theme: Visio Data Visualizer.
Cross functional flowchart template (Visio Data Visualizer-ready)
This page provides a copy-paste-friendly template for a cross-functional flowchart (swimlane diagram) that imports cleanly into Visio Data Visualizer. Use it to generate diagrams from a dataset, then keep them current by editing rows instead of redrawing shapes.
Looking for the “what is it?” guide first? Start here: cross functional flowchart.
Template (TSV – tab-separated values)
Copy the template below into a text file and save it as .tsv. Do not replace tabs with spaces. Do not add blank rows.
If a ready-to-download file is preferred, use: Data Visualizer template download.
Process Step ID Process Step Description Next Step ID Shape Type Connector Label Function Phase
010 Start 020 Start/End Customer Intake
020 Submit request 030 Process Requester Intake
030 Validate request 040 Process Coordinator Intake
040 Decision: complete info? 050,060 Decision Yes,No Coordinator Review
050 Request missing info 020 Process Requester Review
060 Approve request 070 Process Manager Approve
070 Fulfill request 080 Process Operations Execute
080 Notify customer 090 Process Coordinator Close
090 End Start/End Customer CloseHow to use the template in Visio Data Visualizer
- Start with the cross-functional Data Visualizer template in Visio. If needed, see: swimlane diagrams hub.
- Paste the TSV into a file and save as .tsv. Use UTF-8 text encoding if asked.
- Import the .tsv file. Visio will generate the cross-functional flowchart automatically.
- Validate the basics. Make sure all lanes (Function) and phases (Phase) appear correctly.
- Update by editing the dataset. Change Function or Phase values in the table, then re-import or refresh. See: update swimlane diagrams without redrawing.
If the import fails, go straight to: import troubleshooting.
How to customize lanes, phases, and branching
- Function controls swimlanes. Standardize names (example: “Operations”, not “Ops” sometimes).
- Phase controls columns. Use clear lifecycle stages (Intake, Review, Approve, Execute, Close).
- Next Step ID controls connections. Branching uses comma-separated IDs with no spaces (example: 050,060).
- Connector Label is optional but useful for decision branches (Yes/No).
- Step IDs should be stable. A simple scheme like 010, 020, 030 makes inserts easier.
For the exact field rules and constraints, see: Data Visualizer dataset format.
Validation checklist (avoid import errors)
- No blank rows in the TSV file (including at the bottom).
- Headers match exactly (do not rename columns).
- Every Process Step ID is unique.
- Every Next Step ID exists as a Process Step ID.
- Shape Type values are valid (Start/End, Process, Decision).
- No trailing spaces in Step IDs or Next Step IDs.
Related swimlane resources
For “what to do after export” analysis, see: audit a process map in Excel.
FAQ
Is a cross-functional flowchart the same as a swimlane diagram?
In most business contexts, yes. A cross-functional flowchart is a swimlane diagram that shows the flow across functions or roles.
Why use TSV?
TSV (tab-separated values) is the import format expected by Visio Data Visualizer. It is strict, but that strictness makes automated diagram generation consistent.
Can the template support branching and loops?
Yes. Branching is represented by multiple Next Step IDs in a single cell (comma-separated). Loops are represented by pointing a step back to an earlier Step ID.
What usually breaks the import?
Blank rows, duplicate Step IDs, missing referenced Next Step IDs, invalid Shape Type values, and tab formatting issues. Use import troubleshooting.
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