Data Flow Diagram Process
Data Flow Diagram (DFD) in the structured-systems analysisA graphical representation of the flow of data through an information system by modeling its process aspects is called a “data flow diagram”, also known as DFD. A DFD is often used as a step for creating an overview of the system without going into detail. DFDs can also be used for the purpose of the visualization of data processing being used in the structured design. Each DFD shows the way each kind of information will be input to and output from some particular system as well as in what way the data will advance through this system. It is also important to mention the place where the data will be stored. It does not show information about the timing of process or information about whether processes will operate in sequence or in parallel. “Flow Chart” can be also used for such purpose of illustrating a flow of some particular data and they can be used instead of the “data flow diagrams”. “Flow diagrams” in general can be “Entity Relationship Diagrams” (or “ERD”), “Unified Modeling Language” (or “UML”) diagrams, “Data Flows Diagrams” (or “DFD”), “Windows and Macintosh Graphics User Interface (GUI)” design diagrams as well as “Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method” (“SSADM”). One of the most popular among them is a “data flow diagram”. “DFD”, as it was already mentioned before, is simply a graphical representation of the "data flow" in an information system. With its help you can illustrate a system overview in outline using ConceptDraw DIAGRAM The “data flow diagram” can also be used for the illustration and so the visualization of the data processing in a structured design. All ConceptDraw DIAGRAM users can make any needed data flow diagram any time they want within only a short period of time. “Data flow diagrams” are very widely used nowadays and there is a reason for such usage: these diagrams show what particular kind of information can be input to as well as output from some particular system. These diagrams also show the way this data, which is about to be illustrated, can advance via this system. With the help of DFD you can also show where data can be stored. Another name for “data flow diagrams” is “bubble charts”. There are “context-level data flow diagrams” which include a “Level 1 DFD” and they can be created in order to show some of the system’s details being modeled. The “Level 1 data flow diagrams” show the way some system is or can be divided into the smaller “sub-systems”, allowing to follow the way, in what each of these “sub-systems” deals with the “data flows”. With the aid of the “data flow diagrams” you can always identify the internal data stores, which as a general rule have to be presented in a way of such diagram. These diagrams are the ones of the three perspectives of the “SSADM”. While creating such diagrams the sponsor of the project and the end user can be consulted at each of the stages of a system's evolution and it is always convenient to track this “evolution” with the help of such DFD, that is why using this type of diagram as a simple way of representing the operating system, as well as what it accomplishes with is a good way. You can also mention how the plans for this system can be implemented. DF diagrams can be used for a purpose of providing the end user with the information about the inputting data, as well as the information in what the system can be developed both in analysis and design phases. There are different notations that can be used for drawing any of the needed data flow diagrams, mainly the “Gane and Sarson” and the “Yourdon and Coad” ones. You can use these notations for defining the different visual representations of the data flows, data stores, external entities as well as the other different processes. “Logical Data Flow Diagram” can be also made in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM and it is useful for capturing the data flows, necessary for the system to operate, as well as describing the needed processes and the data required. “Physical Data Flow Diagram” is another type of “Data flow diagrams” which you can use to show the way in what some system is implemented at this very moment. “Physical Data Flow Diagram” is also known as a “Current Physical Data flow diagram”. In general “Data flow diagrams” are well known and very commonly used for a reason of the need of representing some data flow in a system as a part of the “Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology” and these diagrams may consist of different components. These components are functions and processes, with the aid of which you can represent the actions happened in an information system. All of the main DFD elements are external entities, processes, data flow and data store. “Yourdon – de Marco” notation can be used for the purpose of illustrating the ”Data Flow Diagram” objects, which are interpreted in a way of processes transform the input data flows into the output data flows as well as data depositories serve them only for keeping the “ingoing” data and not to change them. If you want to make any of the DFDs mentioned above, then everything you need is to download ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software and start using it. Having this application means having a great looking result after having very relaxing and entertaining process of creating any needed type diagrams, including all mentioned above. You can always use this software as well as the needed solution from ConceptDraw STORE application and you can be sure that your final result will look simply great as well as smart and professional drawings. The “Data Flow Diagrams Solution” can simplify your work of drawing the needed DFD and it definitely will be very helpful for those ConceptDraw DIAGRAM users, who intend to make a great looking and smart diagrams, including the “data flow” ones. The “Object Library” can be found in the “Data Flow Diagram Solution” from ConcepDraw STORE and it contains lots of design symbols, including all of the needed elements, such as icons, that can be used for your representing of the data flows, data storage, processes, objects as well as other data flow entities.
Example 1. Data Flow Diagram (DFD) Solution The Data Flow Diagrams solution contains three vector stencils libraries with DFD symbols:
Use the Data Flow Diagrams solution to draw your own DFDs using the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software. |
Example 2. DFD Process of account receivable
This example is created using ConceptDraw DIAGRAM enhanced with solution Data Flow Diagrams. It shows the process of account receivable.
Data Flow Diagrams Sample:
TEN RELATED HOW TO's:
Flow Chart Symbols →
If you need to describe some process, diagramming is a perfect tool for almost any imaginable purpose. The set of the most commonly used flow charts symbols is quite wide and includes symbols for operations, processes, data inputs and outputs. You can see the full list of all the symbols used for flowcharting in Flowcharts solution from Diagrams area in ConceptDraw Solution Park. A flow chart is often used for visual representation of a sequential process flow. The flowchart approach to any process is to divide it into some sequential actions. What makes a flow chart so popular and clear to make out is the set of standard flowchart symbols that has the same reading independently from processes described with their applying. The current drawing represents the vector library containing the pack of standard flowchart symbols. This library is supplied with ConceptDraw Flowcharts solution.
Telecommunication networks. Computer and Network Examples →
A Telecommunications network is a network of nodes, links, trunks and telephone switches that are connected, operated by telephone companies and realize telephone, audio, visual and data communications among the users. The telecommunications network can also include Internet, microwave, wireless equipment. This example was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the Computer and Networks Area of ConceptDraw Solution Park and shows the Telecommunications network.
Pie Chart Examples and Templates →
A pie chart or a circle graph is a circular chart divided into sectors, illustrating numerical proportion. In a pie chart, the arc length of each sector and consequently its central angle and area, is proportional to the quantity it represents. Pie chart examples and templates created using ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software helps you get closer with pie charts and find pie chart examples suite your needs.
An Event-driven Process Chain (EPC) - flowchart used for business process modelling →
Event-Driven Process Chain flowcharts for improvement throughout an organisation. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM is a software for making EPC flowcharts to provide business process modelling. Its excellent business process improvement tools.
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM ER Diagram Tool →
Database design is an important part of any project, as databases become more and more complex nowadays. To make the model more representative, entity relationship diagrams are widely used in software engineering area. These diagrams show sets of entities as rectangles connected via lines labeled with their cardinalities. This an example of the ER-diagram developed to store information regarding some online role-playing game. It includes three main elements of ER diagram: entities, relationships and attributes. The entities, attributes and relationships on this ER-diagram is depicted according to the Chen's notation. Chen's notation for Entity Relationship diagrams admits using of rectangles to depict entities, ovals for attributes and ,at least, diamonds to show relationships. ConceptDraw Entity-Relationship Diagrams solution was applied as ERD software to create this diagram.
Software and Database Design with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM →
Using diagrams, you can visualize the flow of the information or build a detailed data structure. There's no need to have a degree in software and database design with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM , because this software has all the tools needed in developing models and diagrams. Project planning, designing and prototyping was never so easy. This UML diagrams can be used to visualize a model of the data base development process. A UML diagram shows a graphical view of a structure of software system: components and relationships. Using Unified Modeling Language helps to depict logical and physical elements of a data base, visually represent requirements and sub-systems. UML diagrams allows developers to organize and predict critical issues, as well as collaborate data base information.
Pyramid Diagram →
When thinking about the process of decision making, it's easy to imagine it as a pyramid. We will look at a three level pyramid model as an example. Operational decisions are first that come to mind, and it's the first level. Tactical and strategic decisions are the second and the third levels. Pyramid (triangle) diagrams are used to show some hierarchical data. Because to the pyramid form of diagram, each diagram slice has a different width. The width of each segment depends on its hierarchical level. The current image illustrates the model of information system types. Most graphically the model can be represented as a three level pyramid. The first level shows a system of transaction processing It is concentrated on operational tasks. The second level is devoted to tactical solutions of the information system management. And at least, the third level addresses strategy and represents the executive information system. This three level pyramid sample is supplied with the ConceptDraw Pyramid Diagrams solution from Marketing area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.
Social Media Response DFD Flowcharts - diagramming software ( Mac PC ) →
Diagramming software for Mac and PC - create flowcharts and presentations for Social Media Organizing.