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during analysis; this knowledge is extracted and formally documented. Most users think in terms of the functions to be performed and the data elements to be manipulated. The objective is to identify and link these key functions and data elements, yielding a logical system design.
Start with the system's basic functions. The key is keeping track of the stock-on-hand for each product in inventory. Inventory changes because customers purchase, exchange, and return products, so the system will have to process customer transactions. The store's owner wants to selectively look at the inventory level for any product in short supply and, if appropriate, order replacement stock, so the system must be able to communicate with management. Finally, following management authorization, the system should generate a reorder ready to send to a supplier.
Fig 1
Given the system's basic functions, the analyst's next task is gaining a sense of their logical relationship. A good way to start is by describing how data flow between the functions. As the name implies, data flow diagrams are particularly useful for graphically describing these data flows. Four symbols are used (Fig. 1). Data sources and destinations are represented by squares; input data enter the system from a source, and output data flow to a destination. Once in the system, the data are manipulated or change by processes, represented by round-corner rectangles. A process might be a program, a procedure, or anything else that changes or moves data. Data can be held for later processing in data stores, symbolized by open-ended rectangles. A data store might be a disk file, a tape file, a database, written notes, or even a person's memory. Finally, data flow between sources, destinations, processes, end data stores over data flows, which are represented by arrows.
Fig 2
Figure 2 shows a preliminary data flow diagram for the inventory system. Start with CUSTOMER. Transactions flow from a customer f into the system, where they are handled by Process transaction. A data store, STOCK, holds data on each item in inventory. Process transaction changes the data to reflect the new transaction. Meanwhile, MANAGEMENT accesses the system through Communicate, evaluating the data in STOCK and, if necessary, requesting a reorder. Once, a reorder is authorized. Generate reorder sends necessary data to the SUPPLIER, who ships the items to the store. Note that, because the reorder represents a change in the inventory level of a particular product or products it is handled as a transaction.
The data flow diagram describes the logical system. The next step is tracing the data flows. Start with the destination SUPPLIER. Reorders flow to suppliers; for example, the store might want 25 pairs of jeans. To fill the order, the supplier needs the product description and the reorder quantity. Where do these data elements come from? Since they are output by Generate reorder, they must either be Input to or generated by this process. Data flow into Generate reorder for STOCK; thus, product descriptions and reorder quantities must be stored in STOCK.
Other data elements, such as the item purchased and the purchase quantity are generated by CUSTOMER. Still others, for example selling price and reorder point, are generated by or needed by MANAGEMENT. The current stock-on-hand for a given item is an example of a data element generated by an algorithm in one of the procedures. Step by step, methodically, the analyst identifies the data elements to be input to .stored by, manipulated by, generated by, or output by the system.
To keep track of the data elements, the analyst might list each one in a data dictionary. A simple data dictionary can be set up on index cards, but computerized data dictionaries have become increasingly popular. The data dictionary, a collection of data describing and defining the data, is useful throughout the systems analysis and
design process, and is often used to build a database during the implementation stage.
The idea of analysis is to define the system's major functions and data elements methodically. Remember that the objective is translating user needs into technical terms. Since the system starts with the user, the first step is defining the user's needs. Users think in terms of functions and data. They do not visualize programs, or files, or hardware .and during this initial, crucial analysis stage it is essential that the analyst think like a user, not like a programmer.
Data flow diagrams and data dictionaries are useful tools. They provide a format for recording key information about the proposed system. Also, they jog the analyst's memory) for example, if the analyst doesn't have sufficient information to complete a data dictionary entry, he or she has probably missed something. Perhaps most importantly, the data flow diagram and the data dictionary document the analyst's understanding of the system requirements. By reviewing these documents, the user can correct misunderstandings or oversights. Finally, they represent an excellent starting point the next step, design.
2-3 Design
As we enter the design stage, we know what the system must do, and thus can begin thinking about how to do it. The objective is to develop a strategy for solving the problem. At this stage, we are not interested in writing code or in defining precise data structures; instead, we want to identify, at a black box level, necessary programs, files, procedures, and other components.
The data flow diagram defines the system's necessary functions; how might they be implemented? One possibility is writing one program for each process. Another is combining two or more processes in a single program; there are dozens of alternative solutions. Let's focus on one option and document it.
A system flowchart uses symbols to represent programs, procedures, hardware devices, and the other components of a physical system (Fig. 3). Our flowchart (.Fig. 4) shows that transaction data enter the system through a terminal, are processed by a data collection program, and then are stored on an inventory file. Eventually, the inventory file is processed by a Report and reorder program. Through it, management manipulates the data and authorizes reorders.
Fig. 4 on a system flowchart, symbols represent programs, procedures, hardware devices, and the other components of a physical system.
Fig 3
Look at the system flowchart. It identifies several hardware components, including a computer, a disk drive, a data entry terminal, a printer, and a display terminal. Two programs are needed; Process transaction and Report and reorder. In addition to the hardware and the programs, we’ll need data structures for the inventory file and for data flaws between the I/O devices and the software. Note that this system flowchart illustrates one possible solution; a good analyst will develop several feasible alternatives before choosing one.
Fig 4
The flowchart maps the system, highlighting its major physical components. Since the data link the components, the next task is defining the data structures. Consider, for example, the inventory file. It contains all the data elements from the data store STOCK. The data elements are listed in the data dictionary. Using them, the
file's data structure can be planned,
How should the file be organized? That depends on how it will be accessed. For example, in some applications, data are processed at regular, predictable intervals. Typically, the data are collected over time and processed together, as a batch. If batch processing is acceptable, a sequential file organization is probably best.
It is not always possible to wait until a batch of transactions is collected, however. For example, consider an air defense early warning system. If an unidentified aircraft is spotted it must be identified immediately the idea of waiting until 5 _ 00 p.m. because \need for quick response, each transaction must be processed as it occurs. Generally such transaction processing systems call for direct access file.
Our inventory system has two programs. One processes transactions. A direct access inventory file seems a reasonable choice. The other allows management to study inventory data occasionally; batch processing would certainly do. Should the inventory file be organized sequentially or directly? Faced with such a choice a good analyst considers both options. One possible system might accept transactions and process them as they occur. As an alternative, sales slips might be collected throughout the day and processed as a batch after the store closes. In the first system, the two programs would deal with direct access files; in the second system, they would be linked to sequential files. A program to process direct access data is different from a program to process sequential data. The data drive the system. The choice of a data structure determines the program’s structure. Note that the program is defined and planned in the context of the system.
2- 4 Implementation
Once the system's major components have been identified .we can begin to develop them. Our system includes two programs, several pieces of equipment, and a number of data structures. During implementation, each program is planned and written using the techniques described in Chapter 7. Files are created, and their contents checked. New hardware is purchased, installed, and tested. Additionally, operating procedures are written and evaluated. Once all the component parts are ready, the system is tested. Assuming the user is satisfied, the finished system is released.
2- 5 Maintenance