Imperfect Information: The Decision Analysis Blog

So, what is a parametric spreadsheet?

Valid question. In comparison to a static/base case/deterministic spreadsheet, a parametric spreadsheet is set up in such a way that key parameters and assumptions can be changed without invalidating the underlying calculations. So if you've found that your project is delayed by a year or that CAPEX is higher than anticipated -- you can incorporate these changes into your spreadsheet without breaking everything and instantly see how they affect value.

Syncopation Software's newly updated mobile friendly website on a stock photo of a phone-- note the hamburger menu :)

Syncopation is happy to announce a recent, major website update. Some of you may have already noticed that our website has a fresh, new look and feel. What you may not have noticed is that our website is now fully responsive with mobile devices, so it's a breeze to peruse our web content or buy a copy of DPL even when you're away from your laptop or desktop computer. This also puts us back on Google's "good" list. Yay!

Syncopation Software has long been known for their Decision Tree-based software tools but did you know that we also develop and support software for building and analyzing Fault Trees? I'd like to introduce DPL Fault Tree, a tool that allows users to intuitively build graphical models of large-scale systems in order to understand and analyze the risks within the system and how they relate to one another. This robust risk assessment can help guide risk mitigating actions.

The DPL update 9.00.15 is now available for download. This is the first generally available (i.e., non-beta) version of DPL 9 Fault Tree. While most of the changes relate to fault tree features and documentation, we also encourage DPL Professional, Enterprise and Portfolio users to apply the update.

This update includes the following fixes/changes/enhancements:
ENH: Accommodate long names better in cutset viewer

The DPL maintenance update 9.00.14 is now available for download. It includes the following fixes/changes/enhancements:

Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm confident that you've heard about the European Union's new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) that go into effect on May 25, 2018. Over the last month you've likely been barraged by dozens of "Privacy Policy Update" emails as companies scurry to come into compliance with these expansive new regulations.

The DPL maintenance update 9.00.11 is now available for download. It includes the following fixes/changes/enhancements:

When it comes to project and portfolio management analytic outputs, bubble charts are by far the most charming. Colorful and playful, they are reminiscent of a jar of gumballs. But they're really more than just an pretty chart to throw in your PowerPoint or dashboard for a splash of color. When it's critical to find the mix of projects that will add the most value to your R&D portfolio its imperative you have a strong grasp on the risk/reward balance -- which is just what this chart type can provide.

We've always championed a "model in DPL as you learn" approach within our software documentation, resources, and training courses. A couple of years ago Syncopation took this to another level by creating our own YouTube channel so we could offer tutorial-style, screencast videos (narrated, recorded, and edited by your's truly) for those who prefer this mode of learning over traditional paper/PDF user guides. We've built up quite a collection -- so if you haven't checked Syncopation's YouTube channel, I'd encourage you to do so.

No really... we've got an excess of stylish, FREE size XL DPL shirts to give away. (Sorry, all the smalls, mediums and larges are long gone.) But seriously, DPL fans big, small, and in between should stop by Booth #13 at INFORMS Annual Meeting in Houston early next week:

The DPL maintenance update 9.00.02 is now available for download. It includes the following fixes/changes/enhancements:

Syncopation Software is pleased to announce the general availability of DPL Release 9. This release serves to underscore Syncopation's commitment to providing users with best-in-class decision analytic tools that improve performance, enhance interoperability, and give you insights that lead to better decision quality. Whether you choose the Professional, Enterprise or Portfolio version, we're confident you'll find DPL 9 the best decision analysis software tool you've ever used.

Decision analysis is most often used on high stakes, one-of-a-kind decisions. However, the same techniques and tools can be used to shed light on a variety of decisions, including those where the stakes are, say, "A BRAND NEW CAR!!!".

If you are subscribed to our mailing list this quote may sound familiar to you:

"Enhancements in this [DPL 9] release range from game-changing analytics to modeling ease-of-use to support for the latest technology platforms."

The vast majority of DPL users are also heavy Excel users, and they sometimes ask us about the pros and cons of the various Excel versions. Oftentimes they have no choice in the matter -- the corporate IT department is rolling out a new version of Office, and they just need to know what they're in for. DPL has been closely integrated with Excel from the earliest days, so we definitely have an opinion. This post summarizes the highs and lows of recent Excel history, from the perspective of power users doing analytical work.