Data Flow Diagram
A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is also known as a Process Model. Process Modeling is
an analysis technique used to capture the flow of inputs through a system (or group of
processes) to their resulting output or a graphical representation of the "flow" of data
through an information system. They include human as well as computer processes. The
model is fairly simple in that there are only four types of symbols – process, dataflow,
external entity, data store.
System Analyst after talking with various users will create DFD diagrams and then show
them to users to verify that their understanding is correct. The process models can be
created to represent an existing system as well as a proposed system.
The following clarifies what each symbol in Process Modeling represents.
Process – An activity or a function that is performed for some specific reason; can be
manual or computerized; ultimately each process should perform only one activity.
Data Flow
A data flow shows the flow of information from its source to its destination. A data flow
is represented by a line, with arrowheads showing the direction of flow. Information
always flows to or from a process and may be written, verbal or electronic. Each data
flow may be referenced by the processes or data stores at its head and tail, or by a
description of its contents.
Data Store
A data store is collection of data that is permanently stored or a holding place for
information within the system. It is represented by an open ended narrow rectangle. Each
data store should be given a reference followed by an arbitrary number.
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External Entity
An external entity is a source or destination of a data flow which is outside the area of
study but interacts with it. This could be a person, organization, or system. Only those
entities which originate or receive data are represented on a business process diagram.
The symbol used is a box containing a meaningful and unique identifier.
Be aware of the basic rules for Process Modeling:
1. A series of data flows always starts or ends at an external agent and starts or ends
at a data store. Conversely, this means that a series of data flows can not start or
end at a process.
2. A process must have both data inflows and outflows.
3. All data flows must be labeled with the precise data that is being exchanged.
4. Process names should start with a verb and end with a noun.
5. Data flows are named as descriptive nouns.
6. A data store must have at least one data inflow.
7. A data flow can not go between an external agent and a data store, but a process
must be in between.
8. A data flow can not go between to external agents, but a process must be in
between.
9. A data flow can not go between to data stores, but a process must be in between.
10. External agents and data flows can be repeated on a process model in order to
avoid lines crossing, but do not repeat processes.
Samples of DFD
Order
details Customer
Customer Check credit ok
status Send order to
warehouse
Order
Credit details
status
Order file
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