Data Flow Diagrams (DFD) are used to show the movement of data within a business information system. It visualizes the transfer of data between processes, data stores and entities external to the system. Data flow diagrams often given us hints on how processes acting on the data store, such as:

A data flow to a data store means update (create, update or delete)
A data flow from a data store means retrieve or use

Objectives:

Interrelate the relationship between a single process to a data store with CRUD matrix of database operations, (CREATE, READ, UPDATE, DELETE)
Visualize what CRUD operations are required by the processes for acting on the data store in a matrix format

Main Steps:

This STEPS Wizard assists you in developing a CRUD Chart that reflects the natures of data flows modeled in a DFD.
You are required to draw a Data Flow Diagram, and then mark on the diagram the nature of data flows (C/R/U/D).

Finally, you will obtain a CRUD chart that presents how different processes use data within the system.

Try it in Visual Paradigm

Before we continue, if you are using Visual Paradigm you can click the button below to import this tutorial into Visual Paradigm and perform the steps in the form of a wizard.

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Symbol	Description
	Process: Receives input data, manipulate it, and then produces output with a different content or form.
	External Entity: Components outside of the boundaries of the information systems that represent how the information system interacts with the outside world. Typical examples: a person (role), department, external organization, or other systems that provides/receive data to and from the system.
	Data Store: A data store represents a situation when the system must retain data because needed by one or more processes in a later time.
	Data Flow: A directed connector that represents the path of data movement from one part of the information system to another.

Step 2: Mark 'C', 'R', 'U' or 'D' on data flows

Indicate the nature of data flows, which are classified as:

C - The data flow creates data in the data store connected
R - The data flow receives data from the connected data store and forward it to another object on the diagram
U - The data flow receives data from the connected source and updates the data in data store
D - The data flow deletes data in data store

In order to complete this task, you need mark the data flows' types with the use of the Color Legend. Here are the steps to perform:

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Click the button below to import this tutorial into Visual Paradigm and start developing MVC Sequence Diagrams for your system. The wizard not only provides the steps and guidance but also automates the transition of data among steps.

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