3. Techniques
3.5 Data Flow Diagrams
Guide to Business Data Analytics
3.5.1 Purpose
Data flow diagrams show where data comes from, which activities process the data, and if the output results are stored or utilized by another activity or external entity.
For more information, see BABOK® Guide v3, chapter 10.13.
Data flow diagrams show where data comes from, which activities process the data, and if the output results are stored or utilized by another activity or external entity.
For more information, see BABOK® Guide v3, chapter 10.13.
3.5.2 Business Data Analytics Perspective
Data flow diagrams illustrate the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. They are used to depict and identify data that is relevant to the business data analytics initiative.
.1 Identify the Research Question
Various types of data flow diagrams are used to understand organizational data. Logical data flow diagrams are used to assess the current state of data and help depict the future state. Physical data flow diagrams identify data sources involved and how data flows between them. This knowledge helps the data analytics team frame better quality research questions.
.2 Source Data
When sourcing data, data flow diagrams are beneficial in identifying the required data sources, the data dependencies, and the best ways to bring together the data into the target repository.
.3 Analyze Data
Data flow diagrams are beneficial during data analysis, particularly when trying to identify the source of any data discrepancies. Data issues can be introduced during data migration or transformation, or even due to incorrect data mapping. These models are used to understand data anomalies and help the team identify how best to improve data quality.
.4 Interpret and Report Results
Data Flow Diagrams does not have a significant role in the Interpret and Report Results domain. However, it can be used to support the narrative being constructed.
.5 Use Results to Influence Business Decision-Making
The results of the data analytics work can be depicted or illustrated using data flow diagrams, where appropriate. They aid understanding by visualizing data flows that may be difficult to understand. For example, future state physical data flow diagrams help implement any new data sources or data processes required for the future state.
.6 Guide Organization-Level Strategy for Business Analytics
Although Data Flow Diagrams is not specifically used to guide organization- level strategy, they are used to describe the flow of data across processes that are used by the data analytics team.
Data flow diagrams illustrate the movement and transformation of data between entities and processes. They are used to depict and identify data that is relevant to the business data analytics initiative.
.1 Identify the Research Question
Various types of data flow diagrams are used to understand organizational data. Logical data flow diagrams are used to assess the current state of data and help depict the future state. Physical data flow diagrams identify data sources involved and how data flows between them. This knowledge helps the data analytics team frame better quality research questions.
.2 Source Data
When sourcing data, data flow diagrams are beneficial in identifying the required data sources, the data dependencies, and the best ways to bring together the data into the target repository.
.3 Analyze Data
Data flow diagrams are beneficial during data analysis, particularly when trying to identify the source of any data discrepancies. Data issues can be introduced during data migration or transformation, or even due to incorrect data mapping. These models are used to understand data anomalies and help the team identify how best to improve data quality.
.4 Interpret and Report Results
Data Flow Diagrams does not have a significant role in the Interpret and Report Results domain. However, it can be used to support the narrative being constructed.
.5 Use Results to Influence Business Decision-Making
The results of the data analytics work can be depicted or illustrated using data flow diagrams, where appropriate. They aid understanding by visualizing data flows that may be difficult to understand. For example, future state physical data flow diagrams help implement any new data sources or data processes required for the future state.
.6 Guide Organization-Level Strategy for Business Analytics
Although Data Flow Diagrams is not specifically used to guide organization- level strategy, they are used to describe the flow of data across processes that are used by the data analytics team.
