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The Formula For Success: Creating An Invention Process Flow Chart

Posted by Lior Weinstein on Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Have an amazing idea for an invention? This is National Inventors Month. Many of us have a secret ambition to be an inventor, but most of us don’t go for it. There is a lot of planning involved in inventing. There are drawings, plans, and spreadsheets, such as a flow chart. Then you have to make a model or prototype. Using Excel can help you get that invention out of your head and into the public’s hands.

Image source: Inventors.about.com

If you’ve ever watched the TV show Shark Tank, you know that there are all kinds of people tinkering in their garage or basement trying to come up with the next big thing. Some people have more benevolent motives; they want to be the next Alexander Graham Bell and make something to benefit all of humanity.

Everything we have is because of some genius who didn’t stop when everyone said it wouldn’t work. You are reading this because someone invented electricity, the computer, the Internet, WiFi, Microsoft Word, WordPress, we could go on ad nauseum. Innovative software inventors are changing our lives faster than we can keep up. Often, especially with software, it is a group of people who work on an invention.

And yes, a group of people invented Microsoft Excel which can help you design your invention. One way to think clearly and develop a plan is by using a process flow chart.

Image source: Filecart.com

Whatever your reasons, you have to have a formula to have success as an inventor. That formula should include Excel. It is the perfect tool for project management.

A flow chart is a representation of a process or algorithm that uses graphics or symbols. Each symbol represents a step in the process. Symbols are linked together with arrows to show the direction of the process flow.

Some of the more common flow chart symbols are:

Start and end symbols such as ovals, circles or rounded rectangles that usually include the word “Start” or “End”
Arrows which show the flow of control
Processing steps represented by a rectangle
Conditional or decision symbols using a diamond or rhombus
A document is represented by a rectangle with a wavy base
A data file is represented by a cylinder

Image source: Tpub.com

Another great invention is a PDF to Excel converter. By using this innovative technology, you can increase the effectiveness of your flow chart. You can convert PDF files to Excel, or you can take your finished flow chart and convert it into a Word document or PDF document to add it to a report or a presentation.

Many people are now using crowdfunding to gain interest and raise money for their inventions, but before you get to this point, you have to have something to show people. Don’t forget to protect your intellectual property by applying for a patent or patents. Another great invention is Cloud computing. By storing your data in a secure content management system you can protect your proprietary information. But first, you need to document that data to make your invention a reality. By using Excel and a PDF to Excel converter, you’ll be able to concentrate on the important business; getting your invention off the ground.