Online food ordering systems and websites are very dominant these days. To emphasize how it works, a DFD for the food ordering system is applied.
The DFD (Data Flow Diagram) represents the system’s flow of data and transformations. This transformation occurs when data enters and exits a system.
DFD represents and describes the food ordering system as a whole, including input, processing, and output.
Let us know first the system’s inputs and outputs, processing, and databases.
The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the data input. Customers (buyers), sellers, and the system administrator are external entities that cause the system to perform a certain function.
“Food ordering system” is the name of the primary operation. This means that 0.0 initiate the idea to further discuss the main function.
In general, the food ordering system DFD level 0 serves as the starting point for the illustrations that follow.
The 1st level DFD of the food ordering system describes each of the system’s primary sub-processes. This level represents the context diagram’s “extended viewpoint.”
The process of managing customer information includes gathering customers’ basic data. These data are used for orders, deliveries, and payment purposes.
Now the system also needs to manage orders and reservations from customers. This occurs when a customer orders food using the system or reserves a meal and grabs it from the store.
For some customers who want to have their food delivered to their houses, the system will automatically schedule deliveries. This process is optional since there are other customers who pick up their orders from the store.
The system also manages the transactions and payments of each customer to complete the overall function. Then the transactions were saved in the database for inventory purposes.
Take note that these ideas were derived from the common activities of actual food ordering management. You can also modify the given idea to meet your desired functions or use it as it is.
At this level, you already understand the project’s overall work and you may end your work here. However, the next level might also intrigue you about what is and how does it work?
The DFD level 2 is the highest concept abstraction among the mentioned levels. The reason why is that this level specifies the processes (if there are any) under the sub-process in level 1.
But let’s talk about an important part of the data flow diagram at this level.
For example Databases:
Supposedly, the example should explain one of the sub-processes in level 1. Instead, it gives more emphasis to the system’s database (data store).
These data stores are responsible for keeping the data secure and available when needed. The information that the system gives will only go to the authorized user and owner of the information.
The food ordering system is a project that provides efficient processing of orders through the internet. This means that system should work as how manual food ordering does. The only difference is that the system enables customers to order whenever and wherever they are.
The DFD level 2 only applies when you need to address additional processes under the sub-process in level 1. This level can also come in multiple forms depending on how many sub-processes need emphasis.
Therefore, the data flow diagram is enough as long as you can explain the system’s concepts in levels 0 and 1.
But, how do we create or draw the Food Ordering System DFD?
To draw the project’s data flow diagram, we will use defined DFD symbols which will help us understand its concept.
To define the data flow diagram, we used DFD notations. They were presented in symbols to be understood easily. The symbols present the following:
These data flow diagram notations represent the total data handling. Using these Data Flow Diagram symbols would also help to draw attention to the system’s architecture in a simpler way.
You may download the Data Flow Diagram for Food Ordering System PDF by clicking the button below. It has the full details and discussion of the System’s Data Flow Diagram.
You can also modify its content to complete your project requirements and needs.
Levels 0, 1, and 2 of DFD work together to achieve the precise data flow processed by a Food Ordering System.
The context diagram focuses on the ordering system’s broad scope and users. It depicts the entire procedure in a single step to facilitate comprehension of the system’s concept.
DFD level 1 broadens the picture of the primary process by including the food ordering sub-process. This level is beneficial for developers as it stresses the system’s operations.
Levels 0 and 1 describe the food ordering system’s overall concept. In certain plots, users and developers add the DFD level 2 to emphasize the significant processes under the level 1 subprocess.
DFD level 2 is not always required. However, this diagram is used when users need to explain the system operations and DFD in greater detail (data flow diagram).
