Simultaneously, a swimlane diagram is a type of flowchart that delineates who does what in a process. Using the metaphor of lanes in a pool, a swimlane provides clarity and accountability by placing process steps within the horizontal or vertical swimlanes of a particular purchase order process. Critical production in the swim lane flowchart maintains raw material inventory followed by taking delivery of production-related goods. One makes a significant discovery by meeting with your purchasing and production teams to explore these connections first. The last time production asked purchasing to secure more raw materials.