ISO 5807:1985

Overview

ISO 5807:1985 - Information processing - Documentation symbols and conventions - standardizes flowchart symbols and usage conventions for documenting information processing. It defines symbol sets and rules for data flowcharts, program flowcharts, system flowcharts, program network charts, and system resources charts, and is intended for use together with ISO 2382/1 (data processing vocabulary). ISO 5807 consolidates earlier guidance from ISO 1028 and ISO 2636.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Symbol categories

  • Data symbols: basic and specific (e.g., stored data, sequential access, direct access, card, punched tape, display, document, manual input).
  • Process symbols: basic and specific (e.g., predefined process, manual operation, preparation, decision, parallel mode, loop limits).
  • Line symbols: basic flow lines and specific types (control transfer, communication link, dashed-line alternatives).
  • Special symbols: connector, terminator, annotation, ellipsis.

• Conventions for use

  • Charts may be hierarchical; top-level charts show main parts and lower levels give detail.
  • Data flowcharts should begin and end with data symbols (except for designated special symbols).
  • Program flowcharts represent program sequence and control flow.
  • Program network charts show program activations and interactions (each program appears once).
  • System resources charts document processors and I/O/storage configuration and data-device relationships.

• Presentation rules

  • Symbol shapes and relative proportions should be preserved; horizontal orientation is preferred.
  • Minimal, left-to-right/top-to-bottom readable text inside symbols; use annotation symbols or cross-references for long descriptions.
  • Symbol identifiers and descriptors for cross-referencing placement conventions are specified.
  • Striped symbols indicate a detailed representation elsewhere in documentation.

Practical applications

• Producing consistent, unambiguous technical documentation for system design, software development, operations, and audits.
• Communicating data flows, processing logic, resource allocation, and program interactions across teams.
• Supporting system analysis, requirements tracing, maintenance guides, and compliance documentation.

Who should use this standard

• Systems analysts, software engineers, technical writers, IT architects, QA engineers, and auditors preparing or reviewing information processing documentation and flowcharts.

Related standards

• ISO 2382/1 (data processing vocabulary) - applicable reference for definitions and terminology.
• ISO 5807 consolidates earlier ISO 1028 and ISO 2636 guidance.

Keywords: ISO 5807:1985, flowchart symbols, data flowchart, program flowchart, system flowchart, program network chart, system resources chart, documentation symbols, information processing.