Choosing the Right DSS System for Your Needs

The most appropriate DSS depends upon organizational maturity, complexity and, to a certain extent, size. In small

organizations, hybrid systems may suffice. If the organization is new to analytics, historical DSS systems would be a good

place to start, while those involved in activities such as trading and commodities may benefit more from a predictive decision

support system example.

Without a doubt, the greatest benefit lies with selecting a prescriptive analytics derived decision management system that

models the business and provides the ability to determine the most advantageous decision based on certain criteria, such as

revenue and profitability. While entailing a greater investment in resources and money, such a solution has a greater probability

of exceeding expectations and achieving a greater ROI. Additionally, it takes the guesswork out of decision$-$making, and

because the model replicates the business, this type of decision support system example is more likely to offer feasible and

rational solutions.

Common Day$-$to$-$Day Decision Support System Examples

Decision support systems operate at many levels, and there are many examples in common day$-$to$-$day use. For example, GPS

route planning determines the fastest and best route between two points by analysing and comparing multiple possible options.

Many GPS systems also include traffic avoidance capabilities that monitor traffic conditions in real time, allowing motorists to

avoid congestion. Farmers use crop$-$planning tools to determine the best time to plant, fertilize and reap. Medical diagnosis

software that allows medical personnel to diagnose illnesses is another example. Most systems share a common attribute in

that decisions are repetitive and based on known data. However, they aren$$t infallible and may make incorrect or irrational

decisions, something many early GPS users discovered.

Decision Support System Examples That Use Historical Data

Historical data analysis, used in every facet of business and life, is well$-$developed and mature. Although such information is

not always directly actionable, it$$s an important part of DSS because it reports past performance and highlights areas that need

attention. Some examples include:

$$ Descriptive analytics: Metrics such as sales results, inventory turnover and revenue growth.

$$ Diagnostic analytics: Diagnostic information that digs a bit deeper to reveal results and explains reasons for past

performance as measured by descriptive analytics.

$$ Business intelligence $($BI$)$: Although largely based on historical data, BI solutions allow users to develop and run queries

that are used to guide and support decision$-$making.

$$ ERP dashboards: User$-$configurable dashboards that allow managers to monitor a variety of performance indicators.

QUESTION $1$

Decision support systems provide information and models in a form to facilitate tactical and strategic decision

making.

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Discuss the features of a DSS$.$

$1\mathrm{.}2$ The software resources needed by decision support systems should integrate the management and use of

the model bases, databases and dialogue generation capabilities of a DSS$.$ Explain the capabilities that DSS

software resources should support.