Use Data Flow Diagrams to visualize workflows. Learn how to draw a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) and/or a Context-level Diagram. Find out what they are, why they are important, and who can use them.

An old Chinese proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In the world of Information Technology (IT), we maintain that it may even be worth a whole lot more. For most people, it is difficult or impossible to envision a process flow, especially when someone else is describing it.

Understanding current workflows, however, is critical to defining a future IT solution. Just as critical is understanding how data is created and consumed throughout the workflow.

To truly understand problems inherent in a business process or workflow, you need to help the practitioners visualize what they do. Visualization lets them identify better ways of working that remove current restrictions.

Data Flow Diagrams are phenomenal tools for visualization. Working with business experts, you can help them identify problems and inefficiencies they don’t even know they have. These are not people problems; they are process problems. Understanding when and how to create and use Data Flow Diagrams will help you discover and capture the requirements for improving the use of information technology.

WHY SHOULD YOU READ THIS BOOK?
In “Data Flow Diagrams – Simply Put!”, 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.

You will also discover how 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 book uses a concrete business scenario to present a simple, easy-to-learn approach for creating and using Data Flow Diagrams depicting workflow and data manipulation from interviews with Subject Matter Experts.

You will learn how to create a Context-Level Data Flow Diagram (Context Diagram) and explode relevant process(es) to reveal the nitty-gritty detail (i.e., individual process and data specifications) that developers need to create IT solutions that the business community needs.

This book answers the following questions:
-What is a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)?
-What is a Context-Level DFD?
-Why should I use Data Flow Diagrams?
-What symbols can I use on each type of diagram?
-How can I drill down into a process?
-How can I show internal processes and flows that produce the results?
-What does balancing a Data Flow Diagram mean and what is the business value?
-What are process specifications?
-How can I express detailed data specifications?
-What is “metadata" and why do you need it?
-What value does a DFD fragment provide?

Regardless of your job title or role, if you are tasked with communicating a workflow or functional requirements to others, this book is for you.

THIS BOOK IS PART OF A SERIES

“Data Flow Diagrams - Simply Put!” is book 4 in the series "Business Analysis Fundamentals - Simply Put!". This series gives you a basic understanding of many core concepts in business analysis. It also teaches how to do the most common business analysis activities.

Each book has value on its own. It either provides an overview or demonstrates specific business analysis techniques. We do not expect everyone reading the series to become a professional business analyst, but it is a great first step. The world sorely needs good business analysts. Get your start with the series today!

Book 1: Business Analysis Defined
Book 2: How to Write Effective Requirements for IT - Simply Put!
Book 3: Requirements Elicitation Techniques - Simply Put!
Book 4: Data Flow Diagrams - Simply Put!
Book 5: Functional and Non-Functional Requirements - Simply Put!
Book 6: Requirements Elicitation Interviews and Workshops — Simply Put!