Simple System Architecture Diagram for BAs in draw.io
A business analyst does not need deep tech to draw a useful architecture diagram. Learn how to show users, apps, a database and outside systems in the free draw.io web app, and label every line with the data that moves along it, using an online shop.
Step by step
The big picture
- Architecture for BAs. Which systems does our project touch, and what data moves between them? A simple architecture diagram answers that, and you don't need to be technical. Here's the one we'll draw for our online shop.
- Blank diagram. Start a blank diagram in draw.io. Everything we need is in the general shapes.
Users and apps
- Users. Start with the people. Drag the stick figure onto the page and call it customer.
- Apps. Then the app they use. A plain rectangle is fine for any system. Shop website.
- Label the lines. Hover over the customer and drag the blue arrow onto the website. Label the line with what the customer does. Browses.
- Apps. Behind the website sits the system that handles orders. Add a second rectangle. Order system.
- Label the lines. Connect the website to it, and label the line with the data it sends. Orders.
Data
- Database. Where are the orders kept? A cylinder is the usual shape for a database. Put it under the order system.
- Label the lines. Connect the order system down to the database. Order data.
Integrations
- Outside systems. Now the integrations. Payments are handled by an outside company. Use a cloud for systems we don't own, and put it above.
- Label the lines. Connect the order system up to the cloud, and label it. Card payment.
- Apps. Last, the warehouse system that ships the goods. Add it on the right.
- Label the lines. Connect the order system to it. It sends a pick list.
- Find the risks. Every line is an integration, and integrations are where projects slip. The order system has four of them, so that's where your questions start.
- The finished diagram. Click away to see the finished diagram. People, apps, data, and outside systems, with every line labelled.
Recap
- The rules. So, a stick figure for users, rectangles for apps, a cylinder for data, a cloud for outside systems, and a label on every line saying what moves. Subscribe for more draw.io tips for business analysts.
