Page 270 -

Chapter 9 • proCess speCifiCations and struCtured deCisions 237

Figure 9.2
An example of a completed
process specification form
for determining whether an
item is available.
Process Specification Form

Number 1.3
Name
Determine Quantity Available
Description Determine if an item is available for sale. If it is not available, create a backordered
item record. Determine the quantity available.
Input Data Flow
Valid item from Process 1.2
Quantity on Hand from Item Record

Output Data Flow
Available Item (Item Number + Quantity Sold) to Processes 1.4 & 1.5
Backordered item to Inventory Control
Type of Process
Online
Batch Manual Subprogram/Function Name
Process Logic:

IF the Order Item Quantity is greater than Quantity on Hand
Then Move Order Item Quantity to Available Item Quantity
ELSE
Move Order Item Number to Available Item Number
Subtract Quantity on Hand from Order Item Quantity
giving Quantity Backordered
Move Quantity Backordered to Backordered Item Record
Move Item Number to Backordered Item Record
DO write Backordered Record
Move Quantity on Hand to Available Item Quantity
ENDIF
Move Order Item Number to Available Item Number
Refer to: Name:
Structured English
Decision Table
Decision Tree

Unresolved Issues: Should the amount that is on order for this item be taken into account?
available is calculated?
Would this, combined with the expected arrival date of goods on order, change how the quantity

6. An indication of the type of process: batch, online, or manual. All online processes require
screen designs, and all manual processes should have well-defined procedures for employ-
ees performing the process tasks.
7. If the process uses prewritten code, include the name of the subprogram or function con-
taining that code.
8. A description of the process logic that states policy and business rules in everyday lan-
guage, not computer language pseudo-code. Business rules are the procedures, or perhaps
a set of conditions or formulas, that allow a corporation to run its business. The early prob-
lem definition (as explained in Chapter 3) that you completed initially may provide a start-
ing place for this description. Common business rule formats include the following:

• Definitions of business terms
• Business conditions and actions