We face various problems while doing any work. An analysis is needed to determine what methods or procedures need to be adopted to solve these problems. A method analyst is one who analyzes this process. And a systems analyst never takes decisions based on information from various departmental, individual sources; in systems analysis, he uses tools that help him build a logical model of the current system.
Elements of methodological analysis
The tools used by a method analyst in process analysis are –
1. Data flow diagram
2. Data structure diagram
3. Data dictionary
4. Tools to express logic
1. Data Floor Diagram:
A data floor diagram is a physical model of a system. This model does not depend on hardware, software, data structures or file organization. Besides, there is no physical implication of data flow diagram. Because a diagram is a graphic representation of a logical system, which can be easily understood by any non-technical user, it serves as an excellent communication tool.
A data flow diagram creates a picture of a logical system using four basic signals. These symbols were created by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI-specific signals are recognized and used internationally. The signals are as follows:
Terminal symbiont:
It’s rather capsule-shaped. Symbols are used to mark the beginning and end of a flow chart, such as the start and end of BASIC.
Input Output Symbols:
Input/output symbols are used to indicate instructions for requesting different values or outputting different values. E.g., the input read/write symbol of data.
Processing symbols:
It is a rectangular process symbol. All mathematical calculations and variable setting instructions within the software are written inside. For example, BASIC language library functions and LST.
Flow Line: The arrow (→) symbol-shaped flow line is used to indicate which signal should be read after the signal in the flow chart. After learning, solve the problem step by step, following the flow line.
Decision symbol: The decision symbol is used to indicate the instruction to divide the software into two branches depending on a special condition. e.g., -TF /THEN decision.
Connector Symbols: All symbols are not directly connected to each other by flow lines to avoid complexity around the flow chart size. In these places, spherical notation is used to indicate connections between isolated parts. Its name is Connector Simple. For example, connection.
2. Data structure diagram:
Data structure diagram is a logical tool by which the analyst describes the logical data structure required by the user. DSD is used to convey the user’s needs to the database designer. The blocks created by DSD are known as entries, records, engraving pointers and logical pointers.
3. Data Dictionary:
Data Dictionary provides definitions of terms related to system development. A field with few characters, a record with few fields, and a database with few records are created. A data dictionary creates a separate data dictionary for each field, i.e. creating a separate list for each field is a data dictionary. Each field analysis needs to be analyzed in detail as to who will be assigned which task. For example, it can be said that in the case of the catalog, the author, story, title, etc. are each a field, and Author, title, data, and editor are together called a record.
4. Tools to express logic
A data table is a method of expressing relationships between people, tasks, programs, etc. Its value in analysis is immense. There are three types of tools for expressing this argument. For example-
Structure English:
It is an adaptation of the English language to describe the requirements of a logical program. By using SE, we can improve the readability of our samples. Structured English aims to improve communication by increasing the readability of written documents.
Decision Table:
A decision table is a graphical tool for identifying the actions that arise for a set of problem conditions and constraints. But the description of all these conditions and activities in English emphasizes the adaptation of Structure English; Decision Table presents the problem in tabular form. Decision tables are used in problems where many decisions and tasks arise.
Decision Tree Structure:
Data processing as a method design tool has been considered an indispensable module by professionals for many years. This diagram has traditionally been used to show module logic program systems and data structures. HIPO function Chart & Structure are used in these two types of tree structure. For example-
Function Chart:
It is used for graphical presentation of the interrelationships between modules within the system.
Structure Chart: Structure chart is a system design graphic that overcomes the weaknesses of function chart. A Structure Chart clearly indicates the secondary work areas and represents the switches of a system. A structure chart can show the main decisions of a system.
The decision tree is the method of reaching a decision through the above table.
Given the above discussion, it is easy to say that analysis is the fundamental element in method development. Without which system development is not possible
