What is ISO 5807:1985-Information processing — Documentation symbols and conventions for data, program and system flowcharts, program network charts and system resources charts?

ISO 5807:1985-Information processing provides a set of symbols and conventions for representing various aspects of information processing and computer systems in graphical form, particularly in flowcharts and network charts.

Here are some key aspects of ISO 5807:1985:

1. Scope: The standard defines a standardized set of symbols and conventions to be used in the documentation of data flowcharts, program flowcharts, system flowcharts, program network charts, and system resources charts.
2. Data Flowcharts: Data flowcharts are used to represent the flow of data within a system or a process. ISO 5807 provides symbols for processes, data stores, data flows, and external entities, among others.
3. Program Flowcharts: Program flowcharts are used to represent the flow of control within a computer program. Symbols for decision points, loops, and program flow are included in the standard.
4. System Flowcharts: System flowcharts provide an overview of how different components and subsystems of a computer system interact. ISO 5807 defines symbols for system boundaries, system inputs, and system outputs.
5. Program Network Charts: Program network charts are used to represent the interrelationships between different programs or modules in a software system. The standard includes symbols for program modules, data coupling, and control coupling.
6. System Resources Charts: System resources charts are used to depict the various hardware and software resources utilized by a computer system. Symbols for devices, storage, and software components are specified in the standard.

In summary, he goal of ISO 5807:1985 is to ensure consistency and clarity in the documentation of information processing systems, making it easier for different individuals and teams to understand and communicate complex systems and processes through standardized graphical representations.

Requirements of ISO 5807:1985

ISO 5807:1985 specifies symbols and conventions for the documentation of data, program, and system flowcharts, program network charts, and system resources charts. Here are some of the key requirements and elements specified by the standard:

1. Symbol Definitions: ISO 5807 provides a comprehensive set of symbols used to represent various elements and components in the diagrams. These symbols include shapes and lines representing processes, data, decision points, connectors, data stores, external entities, etc.
2. Consistency: The standard emphasizes the importance of consistent usage of symbols and conventions throughout the documentation. This consistency helps ensure that diagrams are universally understandable.
3. Flowchart Structure: It defines the basic structure of flowcharts, including the use of arrows or lines to indicate the flow of control or data between different elements.
4. Process Representation: It specifies symbols for representing processes or actions within a system. These symbols typically take the form of rectangles or squares with rounded corners.
5. Data Representation: Symbols for data objects, data flows, and data stores are defined. Data objects are usually represented using ovals or circles, data flows use arrows, and data stores are represented as rectangles.
6. Decision Points: Symbols for decision points, often represented as diamonds, are specified. Decision points are used to indicate conditions that lead to different paths in the flowchart.
7. External Entities: Symbols for external entities, which represent sources or destinations of data or control, are defined. These are typically represented as rectangles with rounded corners.

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8. Connectors: ISO 5807 provides symbols for connectors or lines used to join different elements in the flowchart. Connectors help depict the flow of control or data between elements.
9. Annotations: The standard allows for the inclusion of annotations or textual descriptions to provide additional information about elements or processes in the flowchart.
10. Program Network Charts: It defines symbols for program modules, data coupling, control coupling, and other elements used in program network charts.
11. System Resources Charts: Symbols for devices, storage, software components, and other resources are specified for system resources charts.
12. Color and Line Styles: While not extensively covered, the standard does allow for the use of color and line styles to enhance the clarity and readability of the diagrams.
13. Scaling and Page Layout: It provides guidelines for scaling diagrams and organizing them on pages to ensure they are legible and coherent.

Overall, ISO 5807:1985 aims to standardize the representation of information processing systems and their components in graphical documentation. Following these requirements and conventions helps ensure that diagrams are clear, consistent, and understandable, which is crucial for effective communication in the field of information processing and systems documentation.

Benefits of ISO 5807:1985-Information processing

ISO 5807:1985, which specifies symbols and conventions for documenting data, program, and system flowcharts, program network charts, and system resources charts, offers several benefits:

1. Standardization: One of the primary benefits of ISO 5807 is standardization. It establishes a common set of symbols and conventions that can be used across organizations as well as industries. This consistency promotes clear and consistent communication and reduces misunderstandings.
2. Clarity and Understanding: By using standardized symbols and conventions, ISO 5807 enhances the clarity and understanding of complex processes, systems, and programs. This is particularly valuable in fields where precise documentation is essential, such as software development, engineering, and system analysis.
3. Interoperability: When multiple parties or organizations work on a project or system, having a common documentation standard like ISO 5807 can improve interoperability. Everyone involved can understand and work with the documentation more effectively, reducing errors and integration challenges.
4. Training and Onboarding: ISO 5807 facilitates the training and onboarding of new team members. Newcomers can quickly grasp the structure and components of a system or process by following the standardized symbols and conventions.
5. Quality Assurance: The standard helps in quality assurance efforts by providing a structured way to document processes and systems. This can aid in identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or errors in a system’s design or operation.

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6. Documentation Consistency: ISO 5807 ensures consistency in documentation within an organization. When multiple individuals or teams create documentation, adhering to the same symbols and conventions reduces confusion and streamlines the documentation process.
7. Communication: It improves communication between different stakeholders involved in a project or system. Business analysts, developers, system architects, and other professionals can use the same symbols and conventions to communicate effectively, regardless of their specific roles.
8. Documentation Efficiency: By providing a predefined set of symbols and conventions, ISO 5807 can save time and effort in creating documentation. Authors don’t need to invent their own symbols or formats, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
9. International Collaboration: For organizations or projects that involve international collaboration, ISO 5807 provides a common language for documenting systems and processes, making it easier to work across borders and cultures.
10. Historical Documentation: ISO 5807 helps maintain consistency in historical documentation. Organizations can refer to older documentation and still understand the diagrams and charts, even if they were created years ago.
11. Auditing and Compliance: In regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance, compliance with documentation standards is crucial. ISO 5807 can help organizations meet auditing and compliance requirements.

Overall,  ISO 5807:1985 provides a valuable framework for documentation, it is not the only documentation standard available. Depending on the specific industry and requirements, other standards and best practices may also be used. Nonetheless, ISO 5807 remains a relevant and beneficial standard for many organizations seeking to improve the clarity and consistency of their documentation.

Who needs ISO 5807:1985-Information processing

ISO 5807:1985-Information processing outlines documentation symbols and conventions for various types of charts and diagrams related to information processing, can be valuable to a range of professionals and organizations in different industries. Here are some groups and individuals who may benefit from or need to consider using ISO 5807:

• Software Developers and Engineers: Software developers and engineers often use flowcharts and program network charts to visualize program logic, system architecture, and data flows. ISO 5807 can help standardize their documentation practices.
• System Analysts: System analysts use flowcharts and system flowcharts to document and analyze existing systems or design new ones. Conforming to ISO 5807 can improve the clarity of their documentation.
• Business Analysts: Business analysts use flowcharts and process diagrams to document business processes. Adhering to ISO 5807 can ensure consistency in their documentation and facilitate communication with technical teams.
• Project Managers: Project managers may use flowcharts and network charts to plan and manage project activities and dependencies. ISO 5807 can help ensure that project documentation is easy to understand and share with team members.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance Professionals: Professionals responsible for quality assurance and compliance in regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance, may use ISO 5807 to maintain standardized and compliant documentation practices.
• Educators and Trainers: In educational settings, ISO 5807 can be useful for teaching students about flowcharting and system documentation. It provides a standardized framework for teaching and learning.
• Documentation and Technical Writers: Documentation and technical writers tasked with creating user manuals, system documentation, or process guides can benefit from ISO 5807’s standardized symbols and conventions to ensure clarity and consistency in their documents.
• Consultants and Auditors: Consultants who assess and audit processes, systems, or software for organizations can use ISO 5807 as a reference when documenting their findings and recommendations.

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• Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory bodies or government agencies in some industries may recommend or require the use of specific documentation standards like ISO 5807 to ensure compliance as well as consistency across organizations.
• Cross-Functional Teams: In interdisciplinary or cross-functional teams, having a common set of symbols and conventions as defined in ISO 5807 can facilitate collaboration and understanding among team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
• International Organizations: Organizations that operate internationally can benefit from ISO 5807’s standardized symbols and conventions, which help bridge language and cultural differences in documentation.

Overall, ISO 5807:1985 provides valuable guidelines and conventions, organizations may also consider more recent standards and best practices for documentation, especially in rapidly evolving fields like information technology.

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