DecisionPad Specifications

General:

• Uses the mathematically-rigorous “multivariate utility analysis” methodology
• Optional tree display of all decision elements expedites editing
• JumpStart wizard provides optional guidance for setting up the matrix for typical decision types such as purchasing or employee evaluation
• Control over sorting and subset display of matrix and reports
• Notes can be attached to criteria, alternatives, value cells and by topic globally
• Global text styles can be added and applied to any printable document. This includes font, size and color
• View your worksheet and reports in a window or a tabbed view

Alternatives:

• Up to 200 Alternatives (columns in the matrix)
• Alternatives can be shown as a coded “alias” for confidentiality
• Real-time ranking of alternatives in Worksheet View.
• Alternatives can be ‘pruned’, allowing decision makers to concentrate only on viable options. Pruning can be configured using:
  • disqualified alternatives
  • alternatives without data
  • keep only the best alternatives in the worksheet
  • keep only a certain number of alternatives (alternative number 1 though X).

Criteria and Scales:

• Up to 200 Criteria (rows in the matrix)
• Criteria can be grouped into an outline multilevel structure.
• 16 built-in editable scales for scoring alternative values
• Up to 1000 custom scales can be defined using keywords, ranking, ratings, numbers or dates.
• Easily apply your own scoring rules to custom scales, choose what options score the highest or the lowest or apply to end points and assign them a rating.
• Scoring numeric range settable by number or percentage (0 to 10 default).
• Scales can have non-linear or non-monotonic utility functions (e.g. risk-aversion or mid-point best criteria)
• Must Have levels can be set for any criterion (with a monotonic utility scale)
• Must Have levels disqualifies from the ranking but still shows its score

Weights and Values:

• Three configurable weighting methods:
  • Numbers
  • Words like High or Very-Low
  • Points
• Values can be assigned in the worksheet view with drop down menus, with a slider or button set, or typed in for numerical or keyword scales
• Weights can be set with sliders or buttons
• Weights sortable for confirmation of order
• Weights and Values can be set with paired comparisons.
• Sensitivity Analysis:
• Impact indicators shown as up/down arrows on matrix cells indicating the ones having the most effect on the decision
• Unknown values show up as a score range

Reports:

• In addition to the Matrix/Worksheet view, several customizable reports or “Views” are available to break out different elements of your project for analysis.
• Create graphical reports for the Scores, Values and Weights you are utilizing in your project
• Weight Sensitivity Report automatically moves each weight over a 0 to 3x range and shows what effect that would have on the top 3 rankings, in tabular and spark graph form
• Experiments Report lets you establish a baseline and then make modifications to the weights and values, recording the changes
• Scatterplots can show the scored values of pairs of criteria or total scores to look for win-win alternatives or new possible combinations
• Individual Alternatives Report shows the ranking, rating and notes (selectable) for each alternative, such as employee ratings
• Layout options for reports including fonts, logo, titles and footers
• Customize your report with your own logo.
• Create Multiple versions of each report/view

DecisionPad is easy to explain, analytically powerful, and gives you the flexibility to collect and analyze data in the ways that work for you. You can download the Demo try DecisionPad for free, or contact Sales with any questions or to order: sales@apian.com, (800) 237-4565.