Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs)

 Graphical system model that shows all main requirements

for an IS in one diagram

Inputs/outputs

Processes

Data storage

 Easy to read and understand with minimal training (only 5

symbols used)

 DFD integrates processing triggered by events (event

table) with the data entities modeled by ERD
1
DFD Symbols

 The square is an external agent (a person or

organization, outside the boundary of a system that
provides data inputs or accepts data outputs)
 The rectangle with rounded corners is a process (named
“Look up item available” and can be referred to by its
number, 1)
 A process defines rules (algorithms or procedures) for
transforming inputs into outputs
 The lines with arrows are data flows (represents
movement of data). Slide shows two data flows between
Customer and process 1: a process input “Item inquiry”
and process output named “Item availability details”
 The flat three-sided rectangle is a data store (a file or
part of a database that stores information about data
entity)

2
Data
Flow
Diagram
Symbols

3
DFD Fragment Showing Use Case
Look Up Item Availability from the
RMO

4
DFD Integrates Event Table and
ERD

5
Layers of DFD
Abstraction
for Course
Registration
System

6
Context Diagrams

 DFD that summarizes all processing

activity for the system or subsystem

 Highest level (most abstract) view of

system

 Shows system boundaries

 System scope is represented by a single

process, external agents, and all data flows
into and out of the system
7
Context Diagrams for a Course
Registration System

8
Three Separate DFD Fragments for
Course Registration System

9
Combining
DFD
Fragments to
Create
Event-
Partitioned
System
Model

10