Decision support systems

A decision support system, or DSS, is a computerised program used to support determinations, judgements, and courses of action in an organisation or a business. A DSS sifts through and analyses massive amounts of data thereby compiling comprehensive information that can be used to solve problems and can be utilised in decision-making. A DSS can make use of scenarios, models (including behavioural models, risk management models), protocols, decision trees and a user interface, and can be deployed in a wide variety of domains. Here we focus on DSS for safety and security.

Accurate system design is extremely important to fit the needs of the final decisionmaker and prevent information overload or misplaced trust. Although a DSS allows for more informed decision-making, timely problem-solving, and improved efficiency in dealing with issues or operations, planning, and even management, a company or government entity can become too depended on a DSS, leaving little room for interpretation and in some cases accountability. The cost to develop and implement DSS is often a big investment, which makes it less accessible to SME’s.

Related keywords: decision-making, automation, recommender system, knowledge-based system.