I have been asked by my manager in a new company to document processes and visit our other sites. ie. capturing customer details etc.
I have asked the usual - who is the audience so I can decide if I use BPMN or EPC etc.
He has requested that I document "where" the data is stored. I have done class models once before which shows what attributes are stored - but not "where" so stating what database etc. Is there a way to include that in Class models or is there a specific diagram notiation to use?
I know EPC say which system is used to capture the details or for each activity but this does not related to "where" it is stored.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have googled but I am struggling on what to search for, and I am a single BA in a new company.
A Data Flow Diagram is ideal for this situation.
Data flow diagrams depict and aid in the visualization of the business processes that exist, the data flows between them, and the data stores. They usually only show the data at a high level, such as "Customer Data", "Invoice Data", etc. But you can have supporting documentation that details out the specifics of each data store. You just wouldn't want to clutter the DFD with it or it will become less useful for conveying information.
Here are a few resources to get you started (note a Context Diagram is the highest level of DFD, a special form of DFD)
An Introduction to Data Flow Diagrams
What is a Context Diagram
Don't a head of yourself by focusing on tools. Tools are of little use if you do not know the context in which to use them. There is little sense in documenting a current process with out the intent to make improvements to it. It is important to follow this basic process analysis process:
You do not have to be (nor shoo.d you really) an expert in the process you are analsying but you should be an expert in the process of analysis
Perry McLeod
Thanks Chris & Perry for your help it is most useful.
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