Data Flow Diagram Software, Create data flow diagrams rapidly with free examples and templates
Provides some useful data flow diagram resources such as how to data flow diagram, data flow diagram examples and data flow diagram software.
Data Flow Diagram
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a
significant modeling technique for analyzing and constructing information
processes. DFD literally means an illustration that explains the course or
movement of information in a process. DFD illustrates this flow of
information in a process based on the inputs and outputs. A DFD can be
referred to as a Process Model.
Additionally, a DFD can be
utilized to visualize data processing or a structured design. A DFD
illustrates technical or business processes with the help of the external
data store, the data flowing from a process to another, and the results.
A designer usually draws a
context-level DFD showing the relationship between the entities inside and
outside of a system as one single step. This basic DFD can be then
disintegrated to a lower level diagram demonstrating smaller steps
exhibiting details of the system that is being modeled. Numerous levels may
be required to explain a complicated system.
Data Flow Diagram Software
Data Flow Diagram software is also called as DFD
software. With Edraw Max, the designers can rapidly create structured
analysis diagram, information flow diagram, process-oriented diagram,
data-oriented diagram and data process diagrams as well as data flowcharts, business process diagrams, work flow diagrams, value stream maps, TQM diagrams,
and cause and effect diagrams.
Data flow diagram templates, symbols and samples are
also provided with this DFD tools. These ready-to-use DFD templates and symbols will
enable rapid designing of important complicated DFDs and process models.
Data flow diagram software
Data Flow Diagram Template
Use the data flow diagram templates to describe data
processes. You can use this diagram to assist in data analysis or show the
flow of information for a process. The Data Flow Diagram Shapes templatse
includes shapes for entities, states and data processes. In general, you'll
use these templates to diagram the actions within a data flow, rather than the
static state of a database.
Review the Data
flow diagram symbols.
Examples of Data Flow
The following example demonstrates how to draw a data flow diagram.
Before it was eventually
replaced, a copy machine suffered frequent paper jams and became a notorious
troublemaker. Often, a problem could be cleared by simply opening and
closing the access panel. Someone observed the situation and flowcharted the
troubleshooting procedure used by most people.
See more Data Flow
When to Use Data Flow Diagram
The DFD is an excellent communication tool for analysts to model processes and
functional requirements. One of the primary tools of the structured analysis
efforts in 1970s was developed and enhanced
by the likes of Yourdon, McMenamin, Palmer, Gane and Sarson. It is still
considered one of the best modeling techniques for eliciting and
representing the processing requirements of a system.
Used effectively, it is a useful and easy to understand modeling tool. It has
broad application and usability across most software development projects. It
can be easily integrated with data modeling, workflow modeling tools, and
textual specs. Together with these, it provides analysts and developers with
solid models and specs. Alone, however, it has limited usability. It is simple
and easy to understand for users and can be easily
extended and refined with further specification into a physical version for
the design and development teams.
The different versions are Context Diagrams (Level 0),
Partitioned Diagrams (single process only -- one level), Functionally
decomposed, leveled sets of Data Flow Diagrams.
Principle for Creating Data Flow Diagrams
Therefore, the principle for creating a DFD is that
one system may be disintegrated into subsystems, which in turn can be
disintegrated into subsystems at a much lower level, and so forth.
Every subsystem in a DFD represents a process. In this process or activity
the input data is processed. Processes cannot be decomposed after reaching a
certain lower level. Each process in a DFD characterizes an entire system.
In a DFD system, data is introduced into the system from the external
environment. Once entered the data flows between processes, then the
processed data is produced as an output or a result.
Create a Data Flow Diagram
diagrams can be used to provide a clear representation of any business
function. The technique starts with an overall picture of the business and
continues by analyzing each of the functional area of interest. This analysis
can be carried out to precise the level of detail required. The
technique exploits a method called top-down expansion to conduct the
analysis in a targeted way.
The result is a series of
diagrams that represent the business activities in a way that is clear and
easy to communicate. A business model comprises one or more data flow
diagrams (also known as business process diagrams). Initially a context
diagram is drawn, which is a simple representation of the entire system
under investigation. This is followed by a level 1 diagram which provides
an overview of the major functional areas of the business. Don't worry about
the symbols at this stage since these will be explained shortly. Using the context
diagram together with additional information from the area of interest, the
level 1 diagram can then be drawn.
The level 1 diagram identifies
the major business processes at a high level and any of these processes can
then be analyzed further - giving rise to a corresponding level 2 business
process diagram. This process of more detailed analysis can then continue -
through level 3, 4 and so on. However, most investigations will stop at
level 2 and it is very unusual to go beyond a level 3 diagram.
Identifying the existing
business processes by using a technique like data flow diagrams is an
essential precursor to business process re-engineering, migration to new
technology, or refinement of an existing business process. However, the
level of details required will depend on the type of change being considered.
The process model is typically
used in structured analysis and design methods. Also called a data flow
diagram (DFD), it shows the flow of information through a system. Each
process transforms inputs into outputs.
The model generally starts with
a context diagram showing the system as a single
process flowchart connected to
external entities outside of the system boundary. This process explodes to a
lower level DFD that divides the system into smaller parts and balances the
flow of information between parent and child diagrams. Many diagram levels
may be needed to express a complex system. Primitive processes, those that
don't explode to a child diagram, are usually described in a connected
Data flow diagram software
How to draw data flow
Data Flow Model Diagrams
More Diagram Software Types