Data Flow Diagramming by Example

Data Flow Diagramming by Example: Process Modeling Techniques for Requirements Elicitation

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a phenomenal tool for visualizing and analyzing dependencies and interactions amongst manual and automated business processes. In today’s wired world, software applications often take center stage in optimizing workflow and increasing productivity. Unfortunately, the process of delivering the right software to the right people at the right time is challenging to say the least. DFDs are powerful tools for recognizing and eliminating two of the major problems that haunt IT projects, namely Scope Creep and Project Overruns caused by late project change requests.

This eBook explains what a DFD is, why you need one, and how to create it. You will learn the benefits of process visualization for the business community, for the one wearing the BA hat, for those tasked with developing the solution, and ultimately for the entire organization.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) for the Business
• Modeling the Flow of Material and Data
• Visualizing Project Scope
• How to Identify Internal Processes on a DFD
• Drawing a Detail Level DFD
• Discovering Missing Processes and Data
• Detailed Process and Data Specifications
• The Power of Data Flow Diagrams