Data Flow Diagram Templates to Map Data Flows

A data flow diagram (DFD) explains the relationship among different components of a system by showing the flow of data (from which external entities data is coming from, where data will go and where data will finally be stored in) within it. Following are data flow diagram templates designed using Creately. DFD Templates made of both types of DFD notations (Gane & Sarson and Yourdon & Coad) are listed here and they are based on various scenarios. 

A data flow diagram consists of 4 major components and these are entities, processes, data flows and data stores. Commonly used by system designers and system analysts, DFDs are deemed easy to understand (over technical descriptions) by both technical and nontechnical audiences when it comes to visualizing systems and their information data flow.  

Simply click the data flow diagram templates below to open them in the editor, so you can either edit them according to your requirements or export them as templates.

• Level 0 Data Flow Diagram Template of a Student Grading System
• Level 1 Data Flow Diagram of a Home Security System
• Data Flow Diagram Template of a Patient Information System
• Level 2 Data Flow Diagram of an Online Shopping Cart System
• Data Flow Diagram Template for Scheduling Courses
• Data Flow Diagram Example of a Restaurant Ordering System
• Data Flow Diagram Template of a Video Rental System
• Level 1 Data Flow Diagram Template of an ATM Machine
• Level 1 Data Flow Diagram Template of an Inventory Management System
• Data Flow Diagram Template of a Hotel Reservation System
• Level 1 Data Flow Diagram of a Library Management System

Level 0 Data Flow Diagram Template of a Student Grading System

The following data flow diagram template shows a student grading system. It is a level 0 DFD which is also referred to as a Context Diagram. A context diagram visualizes the basic structure of a system, and when its details are explained further, it becomes a level 1,2 or 3 DFD. Click the image to make changes online.

Level 1 Data Flow Diagram of a Home Security System

The following data flow diagram template highlights data flows in a home security system. This is a level 1 DFD which highlights the main functions of the system and is made with Yourdon and Coad notations. Click the image to use it as a template or edit it according to your needs.  

Data Flow Diagram Templates for Patient Information Systems

This DFD template depicts a patient information system. It is designed with Gane & Sarson notations which uses squares with round corners to represent processes. In this system, the external entities are the ‘Patient’ who enters his information into the system and the ‘Doctor’ who utilizes that data stored in the system to create the patient report. Click the image to use it as a template.

Level 2 Data Flow Diagram Templates for Online Shopping Cart Systems

This is a level 2 data flow diagram (with Yourdon & Coad notations) of an online shopping cart system. A level 2 DFD is basically an expansion of a level 1 DFD; in a level 2 DFD, details hidden within a process are depicted whereas a level 1 DFD only shows an overview of the system. Click the image to modify it online.

DFD Templates for Scheduling Courses

This data flow diagram template shows the system for scheduling courses in a university. Notice how the main components of the diagram are filled with different colors; this makes the diagram both appealing and easier to understand. Using Creately’s preset color palettes, you can quickly color code your DFD too. Click the image to use different colors.

Data Flow Diagram Example of a Restaurant Ordering System

Here is one of the DFD templates explaining the data flow within a restaurant ordering system. The processes (i.e. payment system, food delivery system etc.) here can be expanded and be depicted in separate data flow diagrams. Click the image to edit it online.

Data Flow Diagram Template of a Video Rental System

The data flow diagram example below is a video rental system. Made using Gane & Sarson notations, it depicts for external entities; Input, Employee, Supplier, and Customer. Click on the image to open it in the editor.

Level 1 Data Flow Diagram Template of an ATM Machine (Cash Withdrawal)

This Level 1 DFD example shows the withdrawal of cash from an ATM machine. Although the external entities are not shown here, processes, data flows and data stores are highlighted. Click the image to edit as per your requirements. There are many other similar data flow diagram templates available in the Creately diagram community.

Level 1 Data Flow Diagram Template of an Inventory Management System

Shown below is a data flow diagram example of an inventory management system. While a level 1 DFD explains the basic functions of a system, the details can be further decomposed with a level 2 or 3 data flow diagram.  Click the image to use it as a template or edit it online.

Data Flow Diagram Template of a Hotel Reservation System

The following template is also a level 1 data flow diagram that visualizes a hotel reservation system. As is the norm with Yourdon & Coad DFDs, the processes are represented with circles here. If you want to change the colors or edit the diagram, simply click on the template to open it in the editor.

Level 1 Data Flow Diagram of a Library Management System

Following is one of the level 1 data flow diagram templates that show a library management system. The colors used make it easier to identify the different components of the system, and if you prefer different colors, you can simply change it by clicking the template.

The expertly designed data flow diagram templates listed above will help you get a head start when creating your very own DFD. In our diagramming community, you can find more data flow diagram templates representing different systems made using both Gane & Sarson and Yourdon & Coad notations.  Also, don’t forget to check out the data flow diagrams templates contributed by our users!

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