What Is Data Flow Diagram and the Best Data Flow Diagram Examples

November 02, 2022Ashley Mae

This article will talk about one type of flowchart, a data flow diagram or DFD. There are so many moving parts that go into an organization's systems and operations every day. Each is crucial to the success of a business or a project. With the proper techniques, it is difficult to track all the important details. DFD is used to graphically represent the flow of data in a business information system. That is why we introduce DFD with the best examples below.

Part 1. What Is Data Flow Diagram
Part 2. Data Flow Diagram Examples
Part 3. How to Make Data Flow Diagram
Part 4. FAQs about Data Flow Diagram

Part 1. What Is Data Flow Diagram

A data flow diagram or DFD is a graphic or visual representation. It uses a standardized set of symbols and notations to describe a project's operations during data movement. Data flow diagrams can be complex in design depending on the process. It may be a simple outline of a general system or a more granular structure with a multi-level procedure.
DFD visualizes the system flow with rectangles, circles, arrows, and short-text labels. They describe a system's information flow direction, data inputs and outputs, data storage points, and the sub-processes.
This type of flowchart was popular in the later 1970s and is based on the data flow graph computation models by David Martin and Gerald Estrin. Data flow diagrams can be divided into logical and physical. The former describes the flow of information through a system. The latter represents the implementation of the logical data flow.

There are four main components in a data flow diagram process:

External entity. It is described by rectangles. It is an outside system to send or receive data, interacting with the main operation. They may be the sources or destinations of information into or out of the system.
Process. It is represented by circles. It includes the process that modifies the data, producing an output. A process might perform computations or sort information according to logic or direct the data flow.
Data store. It is files or repositories that store information to use later, like a database table or a membership form. It is represented by short-text labels in a data flow diagram.
Data flow. It is described with arrows. It is the route that information takes between external entities, processes, and data stores.

Part 2. Data Flow Diagram Examples

According to the progress and details, a data flow diagram can be divided into level 0 to 1, 2, and beyond. We demonstrate data flow diagram examples based on levels and layers below:

1. Data flow diagram level 0 is also called Context Diagram. It is a basic overview of a system or operation. It shows a system with a single process.

2. Data flow diagram level 1, also called Context Level Diagram, is used to highlight the main functions in a system.

3. DFD level 2 is more complex than DFD level 1 and goes one step deeper. Plus, it requires more text to reach the details of a system.

4. DFD level 3, 4, and beyond are possible, but data flow diagrams level 3 is uncommon, not to mention higher levels.

Part 3. How to Make Data Flow Diagram

Way 1: How to Make Data Flow Diagram Online

The easiest way to make a data flow diagram is MindOnMap. It is an online flowchart tool. One benefit is completely free to use. It means that you can make a data flow diagram without paying a penny. Moreover, it offers a variety of templates to simplify the workflow. Here are the steps below.

Step 1:

Access https://www.mindonmap.com/ in a browser, and log in to your account. If you do not have one, sign up for a new one.

Step 2:

Click the Create Your Mind Map button to enter the next page. Then press the New tab from the left sidebar, and choose a proper template.

Step 3:

Next, customize the template based on your need. Here you can add new nodes, sub-nodes, images, links, and more. The right toolbar allows you to stylize the data flow diagram with your favorite colors, fonts, and more.

Step 4:

When you are done, click the Export button at the top right side, and choose an appropriate format. Or you can share the diagram by hitting the Share button directly.

Way 2: How to Make Data Flow Diagram in Word

MS Word is another way to make a data flow diagram. Although it does not include templates, the shape library allows users to create diagrams manually using shapes, lines, arrows, and text.

Step 1:

Run MS Word, go to the Insert tab on the top menu bar, choose the Illustrations section, and select Shapes. Then the shapes library dialog will pop up.

Step 2:

Add shapes and lines to represent the data flow diagram symbols.

Step 3:

Locate a shape where you want to label, head to the Insert tab, select Text, choose Text box, and add some text. Do the same to other shapes.

Step 4:

Finally, save the data flow diagram as a PDF or Word.

Part 4. FAQs about Data Flow Diagram

Are data flow diagrams still used?

Yes, DFD is still used widely as a design tool when coding and analyzing projects.

How many symbols are used in a DFD?

DFDs only have four major symbols, entity, process, data store, and data flow. Therefore, users can easily understand the meaning.

What are the advantages of DFD?

It uses the graphical representation to help readers understand the functioning and systems easily. Since it only has four symbols, beginners can learn DFD quickly. It can provide a high level of system overview as well as the details of system components.

Conclusion

Based on our sharing, you should understand what is a data flow diagram and the best examples. More importantly, we demonstrate how to make a DFD online or using MS Word. If you just begin learning the diagram, you will find our guide helpful. Following the how-to, you can try making your own DFDs quickly. If you have other questions about DFD, please feel free to contact us by leaving a message below this post.

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