Explain the concept of "flowcharts" in process mapping.

Flowcharts are a vital tool in process mapping as they visually depict the sequence of steps in a process. They utilize various symbols, such as rectangles for steps/actions, diamonds for decisions, and arrows to indicate the flow direction. This visual representation allows stakeholders to quickly understand the process flow, identify the relationships between different stages, and recognize how inputs transform into outputs.

By laying out the entire process graphically, flowcharts help identify bottlenecks, redundancies, or inefficiencies that may not be apparent in a written description. They serve as an effective communication tool that can simplify complex processes, making it easier for team members, managers, or other stakeholders to grasp how a process operates.

The other choices focus on different aspects of measurement and visualization. Summarizing key metrics correlates more with dashboards or reports, while demonstrating financial outcomes pertains to financial analysis rather than the flow of a process. Mapping stakeholders is essential for understanding roles and responsibilities but does not directly reflect the process flow itself. Therefore, flowcharts are specifically designed to illustrate the sequence of steps in a process without delving into metrics, financial aspects, or stakeholder mapping.