How to Create Data Flow Diagrams

Data flow diagrams (DFD) originated in the Information Technology industry to describe the movement of data in software. Create a data flow diagram to help design new software or to describe the workings of an existing process. Use data flow diagrams to visually represent the movement and interaction of data and analyze these flows to make changes in business processes or computer software. DFD's can be simple or complex as needed by the specific process. The following example will detail mailing a letter to illustrate a simple DFD.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Knowledge of specific process
  • Ruler
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Instructions

  1. Easy Data Flow Diagram

    • 1

      List the steps of the specific process from beginning to end. For the example, mailing a letter the steps would be: 1. Write the address on the envelope; 2. Write the return address on the envelope; 3. Put a stamp on the envelope; 4. Put letter in the outgoing mail.

    • 2

      Draw a square in the top left corner of the paper for the first step. Write the name of the step inside the box. For the example write the phrase, "write address on the envelope." Draw a second square ½ inch to the right of the first square. This represents the second step in the process. Write the phrase, "Write a return address on the envelope." Draw a third square one-half inch to the right of the second square for the third step. Write, "Add stamp to envelope" in the third square.

    • 3

      Draw a diamond shape ½ inch to the right of the third step. Write, "Is envelope ready for mailing?" This represents a decision statement. If the answer is yes the process continues to the next step. If the answer is no the process goes back to the first square.

    • 4

      Draw an arrow from the first box to the second, from the second box to the third and from the third box to the diamond. Draw a line down from the bottom of the diamond and arc back to the first square. Write the word "No" along the line. Draw a fourth box one-half inch to the right of the diamond. Write, "mail letter" inside the box. Draw a line from the right side of the diamond to the box. Write the word "Yes" along the line.

    • 5

      Review the diagram for completeness. Add steps and decision boxes as necessary.

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