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TEC's method of weighing priorities ensures greater accuracy, and simplifies a complex process using clear, graphical representations. TEC's decision support system, eBestMatch, uses a Weighted Average Composite Index (WACI) in addition to weighted averages (WA). The WACI indicates the consistency of scores across all of the criteria and is especially useful in comparing vendors with similar weighted averages.
WA is commonly used because it is simple to calculate. However, it only appears to estimate performance reasonably well. The problem is that WA falls short of discerning a vendor's true capabilities, because it uses one number to describe a pattern of criteria without compensating for any imbalances.
For example, a user prioritizes criteria as the following:
Priorities
Maintenance: 50% Functionality: 25% Ease of use: 25%
Two vendors have ranked these criteria as
Vendor A
Maintenance: 50 Functionality: 100 Ease of use: 100
Vendor B
Maintenance: 100 Functionality: 50 Ease of use: 50
Vendor A Weighted Average Score
50% (50) + 25% (100) + 25% (100) = 75
Vendor B Weighted Average Score
50% (100) + 25% (50) + 25% (50) = 75
When using WA, both vendors score 75, appearing to indicate that both meet the company's the needs equally. However, this number does not indicate which pattern is ideal for an organization's needs, nor does it identify or measure these patterns as a risk inherent to choice.
To supplement the weighted average, TEC's decision support tool uses a Weighted Average Composite Index (WACI), which allows data to be better understood. Combining the WACI and the WA provides a measure of the vendor's overall performance against the pattern match. The resultant number is called the BestMatchFactor™ (BMF).
Vendor A is given a WACI of 0.5 against its score of 75
Vendor B is given a WACI of 1 against its score of 75
Vendor B, with the highest BMF is the most appropriate vendor for the organization.
This type of calculation is conducted on thousands of criteria, which are measured and compared across numerous vendor products. The results are readily displayed in clear, standardized, and customizable graphical formats and reports.
Comparer les besoins
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