Process Modeling For An Internet-Based Electronic Commerce
Process Modeling For An Internet Based Electronic Commerce Application
Process modeling for an Internet-based electronic commerce application is no different than the process followed for other applications. This involves analyzing the system requirements, identifying the major processes, understanding information flow, and developing data flow diagrams (DFDs) to represent the high-level structure of the system. In the case of Pine Valley Furniture's WebStore, the process modeling included examining the system's key functions, determining how it interacts with existing systems, and outlining the necessary data sources and outputs.
Jim Woo, a senior systems analyst, began by reviewing the outcomes of a Joint Application Design (JAD) session to define the WebStore's system structure. He identified six high-level processes that correspond to primary user actions and system functions: browsing the catalog, selecting items for purchase, displaying the shopping cart, checking out, managing account profiles, and viewing order status. These processes formed the basis for the level-0 DFD, illustrating the main data flows and interactions within the system.
Jim then analyzed the interactions between the WebStore system and existing PVF systems to prevent data redundancy. He found that the WebStore would exchange information with the Purchasing Fulfillment System (for order tracking) and the Customer Tracking System (for managing customer data). The WebStore would send customer information to the Customer Tracking System when accounts are created and retrieve order status updates from the Purchasing Fulfillment System when requested.
Additionally, the WebStore required access to external data sources. To generate a comprehensive online product catalog, it needed to connect to the inventory database. For temporary storage of shopping cart data, it would create a temporary database that could be cleared after each transaction. These components allowed Jim to model the high-level data flows clearly, setting the stage for further detailed system design and data modeling in subsequent phases.
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Process modeling is a fundamental step in designing an internet-based electronic commerce application, providing a visual and conceptual framework for understanding how information flows within the system. In the context of Pine Valley Furniture’s (PVF) WebStore project, process modeling facilitated the translation of system requirements into structured, manageable processes and data exchanges. The process involved defining high-level system functions, system interactions with external systems, and identifying necessary data sources, which collectively inform the detailed design and implementation stages.
The initial step in process modeling involves analyzing the system requirements and user interactions identified during the JAD session. For PVF’s WebStore, six main processes were recognized: browsing the catalog, selecting items, viewing the shopping cart, checking out, managing account profiles, and querying order status. These processes encapsulate the core actions a customer performs and form the primary modules of the high-level system structure. This approach simplifies complexity by breaking down the entire e-commerce system into manageable components, enabling clearer analysis and design.
The next phase involves developing a high-level Data Flow Diagram (DFD), specifically the level-0 DFD, to visualize data movements among the processes, data stores, and external entities. Jim Woo, the analyst, identified critical external systems with which the WebStore interacts: the Purchasing Fulfillment System and the Customer Tracking System. These systems were designated as sources (providers) and sinks (receivers) of data, facilitating seamless integration without redundancies. For instance, when a customer creates an account, the WebStore forwards information to the Customer Tracking System, and order updates are retrieved from the Purchasing Fulfillment System upon request. Such clear delineation of data exchanges ensures robust system interoperability and data consistency.
Furthermore, the system’s dependency on external data sources was articulated through access to an inventory database for product catalog information and a temporary shopping cart database for transaction processing. The inventory database supplies the product details necessary for browsing and selecting items, while the temporary database holds the customer's selected items during the checkout process. This temporary data repository is purged once the transaction concludes, ensuring data relevancy and privacy.
By establishing these high-level processes and data interactions, Jim Woo created a foundational model that guided subsequent detailed system design and data modeling activities. The high-level DFD not only clarified how data flows operate within the WebStore but also highlighted integration points with existing PVF information systems. This systematic approach reduces design ambiguities, promotes efficient system development, and ensures alignment with business processes.
In conclusion, process modeling serves as a critical step in developing a reliable and efficient e-commerce system. It offers a structured visualization of system functions, enhances understanding among stakeholders, and lays down the blueprint for detailed system architecture and database design. As seen in the PVF WebStore example, meticulous process analysis, combined with clear data flow depiction, facilitates the creation of a scalable, integrated, and user-friendly online shopping platform.