[Novalug] Tools to map data flow

[Igor Birman]

Back before the recent ice age, we used to use Data Flow Diagrams.  Their purpose is to be very simple - they only have four symbols: process, input/output, file/database, flow.  They are easy to create and to share, and are designed to NOT describe anything about how or when things will be accomplished so that you can concentrate on just the data flows themselves.  They are easy to create in any software including open office draw, power point, visio, etc.

I am not really sure why people don't use them more?  Can anyone give me a reason not to use data flow diagrams?  I have a couple on my cube wall now and they are very helpful..

Igor





________________________________
From: Rich Goodwin <Rich.Goodwin at cox.net>
To: NOVALUG <NOVALUG at calypso.tux.org>
Sent: Sun, November 1, 2009 4:33:48 PM
Subject: [Novalug] Tools to map data flow

Since there are alot of smart folks out there doing different work, I
thought someone may have an idea as to how to address an issue I have.
I have an issue where I want to map out data as it flows from one system
to another.  Since this is data modeling, I suspect there are several
FOSS packages which may help/do this.  What is out there that folks
use/like/detest?  

I would like to be able to track basic inputs and outputs (and more as
possible) from systems.  This would be a manual process since I am
referring to HR, payroll, accounting systems as "systems."  Some data
may be stock but there has to be a means to enter custom or specific
information.

This is a general request since I don't wish to unnecessarily bound or
restrict the solution set. 

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Is this a case for a UML system??

Rich


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