DTrio

Software

DTrio®

Initially created to simplify Decision Analysis training and workshops, DTrio has grown into a commercial, corporate decision process tool. DTrio is written in Microsoft VBA and works as an Exce®l add-in. It comes with a series of standard decision templates and is also available with energy- and pharmaceutical-specific templates.

DTrio is named for the three common types of corporate decisions:

Efficiency

Information

Complex decision

Figure A: DTrio with DA Energy template – Strategy table

Incorporating a template approach, DTrio provides step-by-step assistance for the Decision Analysis workflow process. Specifically, the templates support:

Stating and refining a problem focus
Developing potential strategies
Testing problems boundaries

The templates provide a robust environment to guide the framing of all decision problem types.

Additionally, DTrio provides Value of Information analysis features. For example, decision trees for Value of Information problems are automatically generated from your documented set of uncertainies and decisions.

New features in the September 2006 release:

General Tools

User support for analysis functions
Powerful sensitivities for handling VOI and efficiency problems

(Using this capability, the ranges at which an information source’s reliability adds value to a project can be graphically represented, or the scope to which a project’s failure may impact what price you should pay for the information can be visualized.)

Figure B: DTrio with DA Energy template – Tornado diagram

Software wizards

Tornado Wizard, for uncertainty analysis, supports an unlimited number of variables.
Tree from Tornado Wizard automatically creates trees from tornados.
Tree Wizard supports uncertainty trees with up to 243 end nodes.
Cumulative Probability Plot (or Excedence Curve) Wizard is used for graphically representing or comparing different Trees and strategies.
Influence Diagram Wizard inserts influence diagrams into your own workbooks.

All of these wizards work with any Excel workbook, not just the DTrio templates.

Figure C: DTrio with DA Energy template – Uncertainty Tree diagram

Features and Additions

Scenario Strategy template
Usability improvements throughout the software
Extended Process Guidance
Tool Help
Features added in the following:

Issues List
Decision Hierarchy
Influence Diagram
Strategy Table

Figure D: DTrio with DA Energy template– Uncertainty Tree set-up wizard

Using DTrio’s targeted templates, teams collaborate, share insights and expert opinions, and, most importantly, engage with management to ensure consideration of relevant project factors. The result is an auditable and consistent approach to decision making.

DTrio and its templates (including full downloads) are available for the Energy and Pharmaceuticals industries.