Decision Support System - Essay Example

The DSS however, is a computer application and this involves knowledge-based systems that help in better overall decision making. The DSS has four main components which include: a) User Interface, b) Database, c) Models and Analytical Tools, d) Architecture and network of DSS. The DSS contains an effective user interface, which is generally used by the decision-makers to gain complete information from the database to make informed decisions. The database is used to save all the high-quality information and to keep track of all the available data.

Also, DSS uses mathematical models and tools that mainly relate to supply chain activities. One of the best examples of the use of the decision support systems includes that of Frito Lays, which used the DSS to develop handheld computers that were given to the route sales individuals to collect data from all the sales transactions. Also, this helped the company keep a centralized control system although making the decision making decentralized (Power, 2002). This change to the company was a turning point and helped the company improve in the overall working.