The state of multiple criteria decision support software

Maturation of the field of operations research has resulted in giving more attention to providing direct support for the process of managerial decision making. The desire for models which more accurately reflect the real problems that need to be solved has led to the sub-field of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). However, many multiple criteria decision making procedures proposed in the literature are not being applied in real decision problems to the extent one might expect. Developments in the field of information systems, previously known as data processing, have led to a shift in focus from automating business transactions to more directly supporting managerial decision making. Advances in information technology have made interactive and user-friendly decision support systems (DSS) feasible. In this paper we provide a survey of currently available DSSs that use MCDM methodology. The availability and increased awareness of these software packages may lead to improved utilization of MCDM methodology and further development of the software.