Under Time Pressure?

Overlaying the numbers of identified requirements on a data flow diagram of an existing process will help you identify potential quick fixes.

To start the process, you need to find or create the DFD and have a set of defined, prioritized requirements.

Step 1: For each requirement, look at the diagram and decide which processes, data flows or data stores might have to be modified to meet the requirement. If you need:

to change a process, write the number of the requirement inside the process bubble.

to change the content of a data flow, write the number beside the arrow.

to change a data store, write the number inside the data store.

Note that a single requirement may require a number of changes to all three components of the diagram.

Indicate the priority of requirements by color-coding or circling the number.

Step 2: Evaluate the diagram to attempt to isolate requirements or sets of requirements that are localized to a single area on the diagram.

Draw a scope circle around all processes, data flows and data stores that need to be changed to meet your requirement (or set).

Impacted Area

Step 3: Try to think of at least 3 different solutions you could apply to meet the defined requirement (or set).

Write down the solution in sufficient detail to be able to discuss it in the context of the diagram.

List of Potential Solutions to R3

Step 4: Pick the solution that requires the least amount of effort and evaluate it using the short-term improvement criteria defined above. If it passes all tests, recommend implementing it.

To be effective, the recommendation should define the proposed solution, contain a rough estimate of the costs, identify the problem being addressed and the benefits of solving that problem.

Short Term Improvement Criteria