The product flow diagram (PFD) is a representation of the order by which a sequence of products is created according to product-based planning principles. It is related to the product breakdown structure (PBS).
The product flow diagram is a prescribed activity of the PRINCE2 project management methodology which mandates the use of product-based planning.What is PRINCE2
Features Some important features of the product flow diagram (PFD) include:
The PFD is a planning aid, not an outcome of planning (like a PERT chart which looks similar), this is a common cause of confusion among the project managers The PFD should contain all the products of the product breakdown structure (equivalent to a work breakdown structure) The PFD should be kept as simple and high-level as possible for it to make sense (if additional detail is required, creating a supplementary, detailed product flow diagram can be useful) All products should be 'linked into' the product flow diagram, even if it's only to the start and the finish products Tt is vital not to get too 'hung up' on nuances such as the nature of each logical linkage in setting up a product flow diagram
The product flow diagram is typically created iteratively with product descriptions and the product breakdown structure because as a project manager works through the logic they will identify missing products and additional information about products.
See also Product breakdown structure Work breakdown structure
References
External links Product Flow Diagram in PRINCE2 wiki