How to Create a Data Flow Diagram

Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM) with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM

Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (abbr. SSADM) is a method developed in Great Britain and accepted in 1993 as a national standard for information systems development and analysis. SSADM is based on Data Flow Diagrams and is characterized with presence of clear sequence of steps at projecting, analysis, and documenting of information system. It involves 6 main stages: analysis of existing system or estimation of practicability, requirements definition, determination of technical requirements and equipment cost, development of logical data model, projecting of logical requirements and specification them, physical projecting. Each of them is also divided into several steps defining the tasks that should be fulfilled at a given stage. The most important SSADM elements are flows modeling with help of DFD, data logic modeling with help of LDS (Logical Data Structure) and description of entities behavior. Applying of SSADM is easy with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software and Data Flow Diagram solution.

Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) illustrates the flow of data through an information system, visualizes how the information is handled in terms of inputs and outputs, how the data enter to system and leave it. It is effective to use a Data Flow Diagram for creation the system's overview, to show the system's scope and boundaries. There are two different types of notations for DFDs: Yourdon-Coad and Gane-Sarson, which differ in visual representations for processes, data flow, data stores, external entities, etc. Thus, for example the processes are depicted as circles in Yourdon-Coad notation and as rounded squares in Gane-Sarson notation. Gane-Sarson notation is usually used for visualization information systems and Yourdon-Coad - for system analysis and design. The Data Flow Diagrams solution included to Software Development area of ConceptDraw Solution Park offers a lot of DFD templates, samples and examples, libraries of vector stencils for construction without efforts the DFDs according to both Gane-Sarson and Yourdon-Coad notations.

Design Element: Rack Diagram for Network Diagrams

ConceptDraw DIAGRAM is perfect for software designers and software developers who need to draw Rack Diagrams.

Activity Network Diagram Method

Activity Network Diagram - This sample was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software using the Seven Management and Planning Tools solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park. This sample shows the PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) chart of the request on proposal. A request for proposal (RFP) is a request of the company or the organization to potential suppliers to submit the business proposals for service or goods that it is interested to purchase. The RFP is represented on the initial procurement stage and allows to define the risks and benefits.

Hotel Service Process

This sample shows computer network diagram of the hotel service process, structure of the hotel service departments and the connection of each department to the internet using the WLAN equipment (routers, hub. etc.). This sample was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software using the Computer and Networks solution from Computer and Networks area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is widely used cloud platform which was created by Microsoft and now is managed by Microsoft datacenters in 19 regions of the world, and has a wide set of benefits and features. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software extended with Azure Architecture Solution from the Computer and Networks area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is the best for designing various pictorial infographics, illustrations and materials showing the possibilities and work of Microsoft Azure Cloud System and Azure services.

Example of DFD for Online Store (Data Flow Diagram)

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a methodology of graphical structural analysis and information systems design, which describes the sources external in respect to the system, recipients of data, logical functions, data flows and data stores that are accessed. DFDs allow to identify relationships between various system's components and are effectively used in business analysis and information systems analysis. They are useful for system’s high-level details modeling, to show how the input data are transformed to output results via the sequence of functional transformations. For description of DFD diagrams are uses two notations — Yourdon and Gane-Sarson, which differ in syntax. Online Store DFD example illustrates the Data Flow Diagram for online store, the interactions between Customers, Visitors, Sellers, depicts User databases and the flows of Website Information. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM enhanced with Data Flow Diagrams solution lets you to draw clear and simple example of DFD for Online Store using special libraries of predesigned DFD symbols.

How to Create a Social Media DFD Flowchart

The use of social media in modern conditions helps the companies to be more effective in timely messaging - actively and rapidly response to a customer posts in social media, to find quickly the appropriate response to social media mentions, to save greatly the budget. Many companies even use the social media as a lead tool for promotion. But how to create a Social Media DFD Flowchart, Social Media Response Flowchart or Action Mind Map fast and easy? ConceptDraw DIAGRAM ector graphical software and Social Media Response solution included to ConceptDraw Solution Park assist greatly in their creation. This solution improves the quality of content in social media and helps to build an active customer community. The samples and examples included to Social Media Response solution are helpful for social media teams in developing a social media strategy, in refining and organizing the response process, in creation training materials by trainers and consultants for education the social media groups on how to accomplish the most effectiveness in their daily work.

Control and Information Architecture Diagrams (CIAD) with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM

One of the three main constituents of any enterprise is the Control and Information Architecture. The rest two are Production facilities and People and Organization.

ConceptDraw DIAGRAM Database Modeling Software

ConceptDraw DIAGRAM is a very easy-to-use and intuitive database design tool which can save you hundreds of work hours. See database diagram samples created with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM database modeling database diagram software.

Rack Diagrams

Rack Diagrams visualize the rack mounting of computer and network equipment as the drawing of frontal view of the rack with equipment installed. They are used for choosing the equipment or racks to buy, and help to organize equipment on the racks virtually, without the real installation.

Gane Sarson Diagram

The Gane-Sarson methodology uses the graphical techniques for building the logical models for the systems. It is helpful for analysts and designers to make common and clear picture of the system, to depict all its processes and how they transform the data. The Gane-Sarson methodology lets represent all this information in a way understandable for the users and other interested people, and gives the possibility to see instantly how the system's parts serve together to meet their needs. This methodology supposes the building of a system top-down. First you need create an overall system data flow, then determine the details of the data structures, the process logic and design the modular structures. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software offers the Data Flow Diagrams solution with Gane-Sarson Notation library rich for the specific symbols of the Gane-Sarson notation. All they are vector and fully ready-to-use for drawing the Data Flow Diagrams, which will be then successfully used in presentations, websites, and various business documents.