ADS: a technique in systems documentation

ADS (Accurately Defined Systems) is a technique for communication and establishment of a working discipline in the definition of objectives, criteria and specifications for systems being designed for EDP processing. The ADS method is not oriented to a particular brand of hardware. It approaches systems definition by starting with specification of the report form or document which is to be output. With the report as a starting point, separate, interrelated forms are used to specify input records, history records, computation and logic operations. All system elements are tied together through continuing use of cross reference procedures. The result is a disciplined, universally-understandable set of documents suitable for use in programming systems on any computer hardware. Communication between programmers and users of computers is standardized and disciplined for universal validity and understanding. The Need for Accurately Defined Systems? Everyone who earns his livelihood in or about data processing installations has, as an occupational hazard, experienced the frustration of inadequate or misunderstood system definitions at one time or another. In each case, the problem reflects the professional viewpoints, the personalities or the inadequacies of the individuals involved. But, there are enough common denominators so that the problem can be typified: D Frequently, the person defining a system and the individual responsible for implementing it have different backgrounds, work within entirely different disciplines. For example, there are semantc differences in interpretation of terms, interpretation of objectives, and differences in basic assumptions. D As a general rule, the person outlining the objectives of a system uses one set of criteria while the data processing man subscribes to another. 0 Definitions tend to be loosely written and freely interpreted. Gaps are filled in on the basis of seemingly-logical assumptions which are inevitably interpreted dif-Hugh J. Lynch has worked in the data processing industry for twelve years. Prior to joining NCR, he worked for two other major computer manufacturers. His experience includes servicing, operations, systems programming and sales. At NCR he has been supervisor of on-line systems, assistant director of programming research, and staff assistant to the Vice President of Domestic Marketing. Mr. Lynch is currently Assistant Vice President, Applied Programming for NCR. 6 ferently by the parties involved. D Entirely too much time is wasted; too many false starts occur; expenses are too high. Clearly, there is room for a common-denominator discipline a technique which channels the efforts of both parties toward a common goal. …