Diagram Generator

“A picture is worth 1000 words”. That’s the reason a lot of people are using drawing tools to document their applications. The most popular one is probably Microsoft Visio. ARCAD-Observer allows you to go beyond standard diagram tools by generating and automatically updating different kinds of diagrams:

• Calling chains,
• Input/output diagrams,
• Flowcharts,
• Working chains (production chain),
• Database relationship diagrams.

Calling Chains

These diagrams will display components linked together through “call”  links in a cascade format. The links are between programs, and also with commands and menus. From each call link on the diagram, you can see the parameters passed between the components.

Input/output Diagrams

These diagrams show the files used by any given program. Here again, the diagram is generated according to predefined display rules (input files at the top, updated files on the side, etc). Click on the arrow between a program and a file, and you will see the keys used to access that file.

Flowcharts

Flowcharts are sort of a mix between calling chains and input/output diagrams. They allow a combination of program calls and file usage. They are often used to document batch chains.

Working Chains

Working chains allow you to get a flowchart view of the logic between program calls and used files. Again, this is often used to document batch chains.

Database Relationship Diagram

This is probably the most important type of diagram that any IT organization should have. Please refer to the “Database diagram” page for more details.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Once you have built a diagram from the components that you have selected, you can customize it by adding:

• A footer,
• Comment boxes,
• Layers, to make it easier to read complex diagrams,
• Any boxes and arrows that you think may be useful.

These diagrams are stored in the internal database of the product. They can be produced in html format using the documentation feature. They can also be exported in Microsoft Visio format.