A data-flow diagram is a visual representation of how information moves between systems, devices, or processes. It can show connections, data exchanges, and boundaries between parts of an environment. In operational technology (OT), diagrams help teams understand how industrial devices and control systems communicate.
Accurate diagrams support network segmentation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and incident response by showing expected communication paths. Security teams can compare them with observed traffic to identify unexpected connections or changes. Diagrams may be created manually or informed by automated discovery, but discovery can miss isolated or non-IP assets, and scanning may affect sensitive OT equipment. Validate diagrams against inventories, logs, physical inspections, and system-owner knowledge. Because they can reveal network structure and security controls, restrict access and keep them current.