What is a flowchart used for in the engineering process?

A flowchart is a visual representation that outlines the sequence of steps involved in a process or system, making it an essential tool in engineering. It helps engineers and project managers clearly map out the workflow, showing how each step connects and progresses towards the final outcome. By using standardized symbols and connecting lines, flowcharts provide an easy-to-understand structure that can highlight the progression of tasks, decision points, and the relationships between different components of the process. This clarity enables teams to identify potential issues, streamline operations, and communicate effectively about procedures.

While calculating costs of materials, defining project roles, and analyzing customer satisfaction are important aspects of project management and engineering, they do not directly relate to the specific function of a flowchart. Instead, those tasks involve other tools and methods geared toward financial analysis, team organization, and feedback mechanisms respectively. The primary purpose of a flowchart remains focused on illustrating processes, making option B the most accurate description of its use in the engineering field.