Search code examples
documentationdataflow

Data Document Other than Data Dictionary for Project Stakeholders?


I'm searching for some sort of document template or guidelines to produce a document that describes data flow, high level data field definitions, data ownership (who produces the master data), etc.

Not really a data dictionary but something intended for business users (non-techie) who are stakeholders in the project.

Anyone know of any such template/document style or will I need to define some sort of custom document to fulfil this need?


Solution

  • You can use the "4+1 View Model".

    See http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/wireless/library/wi-arch11/

    See http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~gregor/teaching/papers/4+1view-architecture.pdf

    The point is to write from a user's perspective.

    • Use Cases.

    • Business Entities. Not Tables. Real Entities. In the Real World.

    • Processes. Not Programs. Real Processes that Real People Really Do.

    • Physical View. Computers and Disks and stuff. This is more of an appendix than anything else when you're addressing Users and Requirements. Later, you can elaborate this into technical details.

    • Development View. None of the user's business. A part of the total package, but not relevant for high-level discussions with users.