Data flow diagrams (as the name implies) focus only on the logical data in a system.

A data flow diagram is a visual representation of how data flows through a process or system. This type of diagramming helps improve internal processes and systems and ensures that key parts of your business have a clearly defined path.

What is a data flow diagram?

A data flow diagram maps out the sequence of information, actors, and steps within a process or system. It uses a set of defined symbols that each represent the different steps and people that are needed for a process to be correctly carried out. The diagram can be as simple or as complex as the system it represents, but the easiset way to make on is with a Data Flow Diagram Template. Data flow diagrams are most often used to visually represent data flow in a business information system. As shown in the data flow diagram example below, these diagrams illustrate how data is processed within a system using a set of inputs and outputs.

As its name indicates, a data flow diagram focuses on data and information. This makes it different from a workflow diagram or flowchart, which can focus on any other process or system within a company. An essential tip for identifying the difference between a flowchart and a data flow diagram is to look at how the arrows are used. The arrows in a flowchart represent the order of events, while the arrows in a data flow diagram represent the data flow. A data flow diagram helps businesses and entrepreneurs understand where data comes from, how it is processed within a system, and where it goes after processing.

Benefits of data flow diagrams

A data flow diagram graphically depicts the functions and processes within a system, which in turn helps capture, store, and manipulate the information. This visual representation is a great communicative tool that can be sent back and forth between the user and the system developer. Here are some benefits of data flow diagrams in more detail:

Sets boundaries

Implementing a data flow diagram helps describe and demarcate the boundaries of a system. Without a data flow diagram, a company might struggle to understand where a system starts and ends. By setting specific boundaries, there is a clearly defined delineation in place.

Improves communication

A data flow diagram can help foster graphical communication between system designers and users. This can help engineers and developers understand the needs and wants of the user.

Effective visualization tool

Representing a complex data structure with a simple data flow diagram makes the diagram easier to interpret. Data flow diagrams help teams visualize the data and steps involved in software-system processes. Visualization is crucial in explaining processes clearly and making them more memorable.

Represents logic

Data flow diagrams support the logic behind the data flow within a system. Without this logical underpinning and understanding, the non-technical people involved in a project might not understand how the input data becomes the output data.

Data flow diagram symbols

There is a set of standardized symbols used to illustrate the components of a data flow diagram. Using these consistent notations makes reading and understanding your diagram easier for everyone on your team.

External entity

External entities are actors, sources, sinks, or terminators. They are the components that exist outside of the system that send or receive data to and from the system. Generally, the external entities are the sources and destinations of the system inputs and outputs.

Process

The process component is what transforms the incoming data into a usable output of data.

Data store

The data store component is what stores the data in the system. Generally, these components are represented as files.

Data flow

Data flow components are the pipelines through which the data is transferred in the system. In a diagram, these components are generally represented as arrows and connectors.

Data flow diagrams and UML

Before we look at the types of data flow diagrams, let’s cover how these diagrams fit into the Unified Modeling Language (UML) world. UML diagrams and data flow diagrams appear similar, but some key differences exist. UML is a modeling language used in object-oriented software development. For example, software developers use UML to offer a more detailed overview of a process and explain how software engineering is done. There are 14 official types of UML diagrams.

On the other hand, data flow diagrams show how data flows through a system. They can resemble UML diagrams, but they aren’t meant to represent details of software logic. When using UML, an activity diagram can be more useful than a data flow diagram. This is because a data flow diagram is a graphical representation of how data flows through a system. As seen in the UML activity diagram template below, the sequence of activities is represented similar to the way data flows through a system.

Data flow diagram levels

Data flow diagrams are layered. Each layer of the diagram gets deeper and more intricate as it focuses on a particular piece of the system or data. The levels in a data flow diagram are usually represented from Level 0 to Level 2, and some exceptionally intricate systems may need the diagram to dive as deep as Level 3. The level of detail you want to examine will determine how deep the diagram needs to go.

Data flow diagram Level 0

Level 0 is usually the context level of a data flow diagram. It is unfocused and doesn’t generally zero in on a particular system part. Instead, at Level 0, a simple data flow diagram will provide a basic overview of the system, placing it into context and displaying a single, high-level process.

Data flow diagram Level 1

Level 1 of the diagram is where things become more detailed and the map becomes far more focused. Level 1 highlights the main functions within the process or the system. Level 1 of a data flow diagram is where specific sections of the Level 0 overview start to get broken down and explained.

Data flow diagram Level 2

Level 2 simply goes another step deeper as it starts to map out and analyze specific sections of the Level 1 diagram. The deeper the levels go, the more text-based the diagram becomes. This is why many systems designers prefer not to go deeper than Level 2. However, for some complex and complicated systems, it may be necessary to go another level or two deeper.

Types of data flow diagrams

Data flow diagrams are split into two categories based on the flow that needs to be visualized. A data flow diagram can either be a logical data flow diagram or a physical data flow diagram. Each type of diagram subset has its purpose and benefits.

Logical data flow diagram

Logical data flow diagrams focus more on the activities and processes of a business. They describe the “what” and present this metric in a graphical representation. Logical data flow diagrams depict what the business does, what it provides, and what it seeks to achieve. They describe the business events and the information or data required for these events to take place. Using a logical data flow diagram is beneficial, as it maps out the flow of business actions. It helps you understand the types of functionality that your business has or may be seeking to add.

Physical data flow diagram

A physical data flow diagram graphically depicts the implementation of business systems. It represents the “how” as opposed to the “what.” It tells you how the data moves through the system and how the system works. This type of data flow diagram includes things like the files, software, and hardware of a system. Physical and logical data flow diagrams provide different perspectives of the same data flow. They can be used in conjunction to create a holistic understanding of an entire process.

When to use a data flow diagram

Data flow diagrams were originally used to show data flow in a computer system. But today, they are used in different stages of ideation and design in various industries. They are particularly beneficial to companies that rely heavily on data and information. The following are examples of where data flow diagrams are put to use:

Software engineering

Software engineers use data flow diagrams to design software foundations and architecture before getting into the coding stage of software development. These diagrams also help as an ongoing system analysis tool to measure the progress of and implement improvements to a system.

Business management

Management must fully understand the processes that make their company successful. A data flow diagram is a useful tool for designing more agile processes and generally improving a company's processes. It can be used to streamline the everyday systems and workflow of a business.

Database development

In today’s digital era, almost every business has an online component that relies on a complex database structure to house users’ information. Data flow diagrams help to map out and plot the movement and storing of data within these online databases. In a world where cyber security and data protection are key, data flow diagrams create a clear pathway for developers and businesses to follow.

How to create a data flow diagram

Now that you understand what a data flow diagram is and where these diagrams are implemented, it is time to design one for yourself. Below is a useful step-by-step guide for creating a comprehensive data flow diagram using Miro’s Data Flow Diagram Template.

Step 1: Start by sorting out your inputs and outputs. Each process you aim to map out should have at least one input and one output. This will ensure that your data flow diagram is complete and has no loose ends. Step 2: Start the diagram at Level 0 so that you can have an understanding of the system in context. This overview is useful and will let you know if you need to go into more detail in the deeper levels of the system. Step 3: Head into Level 1. This is where you will add meat to the bones of the structure. During the Level 1 depiction, you will want to start adding more processes and steps to your structure as you start to focus more on particular systems within the business. Remember to implement the standardized data flow diagram symbols and shapes mentioned above. Step 4: Repeat Step 3 and go deeper each time you want to hone in on a specific system or process. There is no cap on the number of levels you can add. But remember that you want the diagram to be easily understandable. Share your diagram with your team members and invite them to leave feedback, ask questions, and make suggestions. Miro makes it easy to work with your team on a shared canvas and collaborate in real-time.

Design your data flow diagram with Miro

Creating a data flow diagram for the first time can be challenging, but having a template can make the process easier. Using a Data Flow Diagram Template will cut out a lot of the difficult initial designing and planning so that you can focus on getting your data flow diagram right. This easy-to-use template provides you with a robust framework through which you can add your project’s information and design your diagram. Its communicative features, like team sharing and commenting, make it ideal for your business needs.

What does data flow diagram represent?

Which data flow diagram shows the entire system with its environment with only one process?

Which of the following is a logical diagram that shows the relation between system failures?

Which data flow diagram shows the entire system with its environment with only one process quizlet?