Data Flow Diagram (SSADM)
The classic Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology by Chris Gane and Trish Sarson.
SSADM is better known as Data Flow Diagrams. It is a simple and highly effective systems analysis and design (decomposition) methodology. It uses just four symbols, and it is excellent for communicating with non-technical users. A proposed or existing system can be analysed and decomposed to the level required (the deeper levels being more technical), which assists in exposing efficiency, modularity and duplication issues. Notes and guidelines are included (drag the stencil to its full size and hover over the labels), and a few extensions to the standard are provided.
In the early stages, an Entity Relation Diagram (first page) is useful (for which there is an ERD stencil); as the analysis and design progresses, a full Data Model (starts on the second page) is more appropriate (for which there is an Data Model (IDEF1X) stencil).
Stencil Version 2.2/10 Jul 11 (I make improvements and maintain the stencil on Graffletopia.) Please send feedback to derek.asirvadem@gmail.com more…
Added on April 28, 2010 • 7,204 downloads • 18 favorites
-
OmniGraffle
-
OmniGraffle Pro
-
OmniGraffle for iPad
Comments
DerekAsirvadem — almost 2 years ago
Contrary to what you may read in that study in mediocrity called "Wikipedia", the original SSADM was indeed written by Chris Gane and Trish Sarson in 1979 (I have the hardcover and I practised it when it first came out). It was so successful that it was used as a foundation for a veritable set of structured approaches, with laborious documentary requirements, and which buried essence and simplicity of the original. While that is understandable for governments seeking to impose standards on suppliers, it is not required for serious use by friendly parties: the original, without the encumbrances, remains brilliant and constitutes the smallest, tightest documentation for a system, throughout all phases from concept to delivery.
Assuming you are technically capable, the stencil is all you need to produce a model using Gane and Sarson's original SSAD Methodology for analysis, design and implementation of any system, on any platform. In the early stages of projects, use it alongside an ERD; as the project proceeds, and once the entities are stable, use it alongside a Data Model (IDEF1X).
For questions relating to the copyright notice, refer to the first comment in DataModel (IDEF1X).
Enjoy !
Login to add your comment