Types of Decision Support System

  by Dan Power

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a class of com

information system that support decision-making
interactive computer-based systems and subsyste
decision makers use communications technologie
knowledge and/or models to complete decision p
A decision support system may present informatio
may include an expert system or artificial intellige
aimed at business executives or some other group
workers.
Typical information that a decision support applic
and present would be, (a) Accessing all informatio
legacy and relational data sources; (b) Comparativ
Projected figures based on new data or assumptio
Consequences of different decision alternatives, g
in a specific context.
There are a number of Decision Support Systems.
categorized into five types:
• Communication-driven DSS
• Most communications-driven DSSs are targett
including partners. Its purpose are to help con
for users to collaborate. The most common te
deploy the DSS is a web or client server. Exam
instant messaging softwares, online collabora
systems.
• Data-driven DSS
• Most data-driven DSSs are targeted at manag
product/service suppliers. It is used to query a
warehouse to seek specific answers for specifi
deployed via a main frame system, client/serv
web. Examples: computer-based databases th
system to check (including the incorporation o
to existing databases.
• Document-driven DSS
• Document-driven DSSs are more common, tar
base of user groups. The purpose of such a DS
pages and find documents on a specific set of
terms. The usual technology used to set up su
web or a client/server system. Examples:
• Knowledge-driven DSS:
 • Knowledge-driven DSSs or 'knowledgebase' ar
are a catch-all category covering a broad rang
users within the organization seting it up, but
others interacting with the organization - for e
of a business. It is essentially used to provide m
or to choose products/services. The typical de
used to set up such systems could be slient/se
web, or software runnung on stand-alone PCs
• Model-driven DSS
• Model-driven DSSs are complex systems that
decisions or choose between different options
managers and staff members of a business, or
with the organization, for a number of purpos
the model is set up - scheduling, decision anal
can be deployed via software/hardware in sta
client/server systems, or the web.
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 MIS - Decision Support System
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Decision support systems (DSS) are interactive software-based systems

intended to help managers in decision-making by accessing large volumes of
information generated from various related information systems involved in
organizational business processes, such as office automation system,
transaction processing system, etc.
DSS uses the summary information, exceptions, patterns, and trends using
the analytical models. A decision support system helps in decision-making
but does not necessarily give a decision itself. The decision makers compile
useful information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or
business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.
Programmed and Non-programmed Decisions
There are two types of decisions - programmed and non-programmed
decisions.
Programmed decisions are basically automated processes, general routine
work, where −
• These decisions have been taken several times.
• These decisions follow some guidelines or rules.
For example, selecting a reorder level for inventories, is a programmed
decision.
Non-programmed decisions occur in unusual and non-addressed situations,
so −
• It would be a new decision.
• There will not be any rules to follow.
• These decisions are made based on the available information.
• These decisions are based on the manger's discretion, instinct, perception
and judgment.
For example, investing in a new technology is a non-programmed decision.
Decision support systems generally involve non-programmed decisions.
Therefore, there will be no exact report, content, or format for these
systems. Reports are generated on the fly.
Attributes of a DSS
• Adaptability and flexibility
• High level of Interactivity
Decision Support Systems Description *
Decision Support System (DSS)
REVIEWED BY JAMES CHEN Updated Apr 17, 2019
What Is a Decision Support System (DSS)?
A decision support system (DSS) is a computerized information
system used to support decision-making in an organization or a
business. A DSS lets users sift through and analyze massive
amounts of data, and compile information that can be used to
solve problems and make better decisions.

Decision support systems allow for more informed decision-

making, timely problem-solving, and improved efficiency for
dealing with problems with rapidly changing variables.

Understanding Decision Support Systems (DSSs)

A decision support system is an information system that gathers
and analyzes data and other information so companies can make
important decisions about operations, planning, and even
management.

The DSS can be used by operations management and other

planning levels in an organization to compile information and
data and to synthesize it into actionable intelligence. This allows
the end user to make more informed decisions at a quicker pace.

The DSS can either be completely computerized or powered by

humans. In some cases, they may combine both. The ideal
systems use and analyze information to make decisions for the
user. Typical information used by a DSS includes target or
projected revenue and sales figures, sales figures from different
time periods, and other inventory.

A DSS can be tailored to be used in any industry or domain

including the medical field, governments, the corporate world,
and agriculture.
What Can a DSS Analyze?
The flexibility of the DSS is extremely beneficial for users who
travel frequently. This gives them the opportunity to be well-
informed at all times which, in turn, provides them with the
ability to make the best decisions for their company and
customers at any time.