DATA FLOW DIAGRAMS

A Data flow diagram (DFD) is graphical representation of data flowing through an

information system. It shows how information or data flows through systems and how
the data is transformed in the process. It enables one to represent the processes in
ones information system from the viewpoint of data. With the data flow diagrams,
one visualizes how the system operates, what the system accomplishes and how it will
be implemented when it is refined with further specification, that is to say, it helps
system designers view a current system and understand clearly, the boundary between
existing systems and postulated systems.

Data Flow Diagrams consists of four main components-

1) Entity :-Which provides data to the system (i.e source ) or receive data
from it (i.e sink)
2) Process :- Which transforms data, performs computations, makes
decision (logic flow) or directs data flow based on business rules.
3) Data store :- Which stores data

4) Data flow :- Which is the movement of data between the entity, the
process and the data store.

Data flow diagrams

Paycheck deposit D1 Bill Payable

A1 amount
Prepare Bill
A2
bank
update
Details
deposit A3
check
pay
book bills

D2 check Register

1). The diagram shows the processes involved in depositing money in the bank
 Registration form

Student
Register
Subject
registered
Degree/transcripts
Class records
Student Record
grades
Exam 2
Graduate
3 Academic Exam or
records Paper
Faculty

2). In the diagram, student and faculty are the source and destination of information
(the entities) respectively. Register 1, Exam 2 and graduate 3 are the process in the
program. Student record is the data store. Register 1 performs some task on
Registration form from student and the subject Registered moves to the data store. The
class Rolls information flows on to Faculty. Graduate 3 obtains Academic Record
information from student Record, and Degree /Transcript information is moved to
student,. Exam 2 obtains exam / paper information from faculty and moves the
circular to the student Record for storage.
 Process order
Order Information

Order details
D customer
D Transaction

Ship Good
Update product record

Issue Receipt
Receipt
D Inventory

3). The diagram shows the process of placing order for shipping goods