Must a Function Always Transform Information?

This is a question I am often asked when modelling information flows for clients.

The answer is a very definitive “YES”. Because, if the activity being performed does not create or transform data, then it is NOT a Business Function.

This is an essential quality check whenever you are modelling Information Flow. If “Information In = Information Out” then the activity, whatever else it might be, is NOT a Business Function and you have an error.

The diagram above shows information from Function A passing unchanged through Function B to Function C.  This is a modelling error.

This second diagram shows the actual information flow, with Function A providing information for both Function B and Function C.

Note: In Information Flow Modelling, the term “Information” means “data in a context”. This is covered in detail in the eBook IMM Information Flow Modelling.

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