Structured systems analysis and design method definition
Structured systems analysis and design method (SSAADM) refers to a methodology to control and guide the process of system development in the information systems industry. Developed in the early 1980s for the British government, SSADM became the standard methodology for all public sector information system procurements.
See also: logical network, data flow
Structured systems analysis and design method techniques:
- Logical data modeling. It identifies the system's data structures by using entity relationship diagrams to show the logical data structure and the relationships between data entities.
- Data flow modeling. It maps out the processes and data flows within the system using data flow diagrams. It also demonstrates how the data moves through the system.
- Event-driven process modeling. This method uses entity life histories or state transition diagrams to represent system processes in response to external or scheduled events.
Structured systems analysis and design method stages
- Feasibility study determines if proceeding with a project is possible.
- Investigation of the current environment studies the current system and its requirements.
- Business system options identify ways the system can be improved.
- Required system specification defines what the new system should do.
- Technical system options look at how the project can be implemented.
- Logical design lays out the new system's functions without focusing on physical details.
- Physical design details the physical structure and operations of the new system.
