Use of GDSS in technology selection: experiences and findings

Companies are faced with a difficult and complex choice problem when evaluating and selecting technologies. The increasing number of technological alternatives and the shortening response time ever tighten competition, and the problem of selecting appropriate technology is more complicated than before. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) offer many potential benefits for promoting technology selection processes. The purpose of this study is to clarify the real advantages and problems of GDSS in supporting technology selection in companies. The advantages and restrictions are discussed on the basis of several selection applications carried out during the years 1994-2000.