Decision Support Systems

A Decision Support System (DSS) is an interactive, computer-based information system that helps people make decisions by utilizing data and analytical models to solve semi-structured and unstructured problems. Rooted in computer science, a DSS integrates databases, sophisticated modeling tools, and user-friendly interfaces to sift through large volumes of information, which are often gathered from disparate sources across a distributed network. Unlike systems that automate decisions, a DSS is designed to augment human judgment, enabling users to perform "what-if" analysis, explore data, and evaluate potential outcomes to arrive at a more informed conclusion.