Data Flow Diagrams and Prototyping: System Development

Posted on Feb 14, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Data Flow Diagram Definition

A data flow diagram (DFD) is fundamental for developing other components. It breaks down processes and data flows to provide a detailed understanding of the system under investigation. It gives an understanding of the system, showing which tasks are performed and how they are handled.

Prototyping System Method

The prototyping system method represents a development strategy when identifying all user requirements is impossible. It’s useful when:

  • Unique application conditions exist.
  • Developers have limited experience or information.
  • The costs or risks of errors are high.

This method also helps test system usability, identify user requirements, and evaluate the design.

Five Stages of Prototyping

  1. Identification of Known Requirements: Determining application requirements is crucial for prototyping, similar to the system development cycle or structured analysis. Analysts and users must collaborate to identify known requirements.
  2. Developing a Working Model: A general plan allows users to understand expectations and the development process. A timeline for the first interaction’s start and end is helpful. Components include:
  • Language for dialogue between user and system.
  • Displays and formats for data entry.
  • Core processing modules.
  • System output.
Using the Prototype: Users are responsible for working with the prototype and evaluating its features and operation. Prototype Revision: During the assessment, analysts gather information on user preferences and planned changes. The analyst manages the modification process. Iteration: The previous process repeats until users and analysts agree the system has evolved sufficiently to include all necessary characteristics.

Planned Information

Planned information supports leadership decisions, estimating the future of the activity. Anticipating results, these decisions transform into information containing specific, quantitatively expressed instructions and objectives to guide executors’ actions.

Information Channels

Planned information serves as a channel for all concerned parties within the company. It coordinates planning at all levels through shared objectives.

Information and Planning Regulations

When information and planning regulations are fully defined, their operation depends on two channels:

  • Provides knowledge of implementation results.
  • Allows awareness of exceptions requiring clarification or additional information.

Staff Contact Information

Provide contact information for staff, connecting executors with leaders. Connect the company with its environment (market/competition). Set channel mode sensors.