How And Why Data Flow Diagrams Are Used
Posted on December 2, 2008 - Filed Under Business | Leave a Comment
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the ebb and flow of data that are part of a particular system. This helps in the quick visualization of the various stages of data processing and thus makes the identification of the changes that take place on data as it moves from input to output in a system much more easier to understand. There are different forms of DFD that exist. These forms are also known as graphical flow diagrams or in some cases process diagrams. The various descriptions and uses of these diagrams may be used as you wish but in actual fact there are differences between all these terms. These differences are usually small but can be noted and brought into account quite easily when the person creating the diagram makes use of text or graphics in order to lay out the process or procedure that occurs.
Data flow diagrams may make use of graphics in order to depict the movement of information or data through a particular system. It is usually easier for users to follow graphical representations than textual descriptions. One such graphical representation which should be a very good example is a Mind Map. Mind Maps are not recent creations but have been in use for a long time now, they are only just becoming much more popular due to the development of various Mind Map software programs. These Mind Maps make use of both texts and graphics in a way that makes it easier for people to remember. They are used for educational purposes as well as in the business arena. Plenty of other fields make use of these type of diagrams ranging from sports teams to transportation route planners.
The use of flow diagrams is rather widespread and transcends various occupational fields and industries. It is usually used in areas that have a bias towards science and engineering. Disciplines that are quite technical in nature tend to teach people to use different flow processes and DFD to organize their different thought process and place them into various groups.
DFD visualizations may also be utilized in the health care industry in the depiction and planning of medical treatment processes. The medical process flow visualizations often involve those cases that require the use of medical software in order to evaluate the nature or progress of a particular disease. Most times these are real data flow diagrams and not the graphical representations that are often utilized in other fields of study. Such usage has helped a lot of doctors treat their patients by successfully identifying the progression and treatment of various diseases and the care that is involved. These data visualizations do not only work directly in the resolution of the effects of disease but also in the creation of different protocols and billing procedures meant to aid the organizational aspects of these various medical establishments.
Information flow system diagrams may also be composed of text as well as graphics or a combination of the two. They represent the direction that data takes through a closed information system. This information system may either be a computer system network or a wok flow process such as a system that routes telephone calls through various networks.
Kelly Hunter operates http://www.flow-diagrams.com and writes about Flow Diagrams
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