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TEC's method of weighing priorities ensures greater accuracy, and simplifies a complex process using clear, graphical representations. TEC's decision support system, eBestMatch, uses a Weighted Average Composite Index (WACI) in addition to weighted averages. The WACI indicates the consistency of scores across all criteria and is especially useful in comparing products with similar weighted averages.
Weighted averages are commonly used because they are simple to calculate. However, they only appear to estimate performance reasonably well. The problem is that a weighted average falls short of describing a product's true capabilities, because it uses one number to describe the fit of a product, without compensating for any imbalances.
For example, let's say you give the following priorities to your criteria:
Priorities
Maintenance: 50%
Functionality: 25%
Ease of use: 25%
You're considering two vendors, which meet these criteria in the following way:
Vendor A
Maintenance: 50
Functionality: 100
Ease of use: 100
Vendor B
Maintenance: 100
Functionality: 50
Ease of use: 50
Score for Vendor A (Weighted Average)
50% (50) + 25% (100) + 25% (100) = 75
Score for Vendor B (Weighted Average)
50% (100) + 25% (50) + 25% (50) = 75
When using a weighted average, both vendors score 75, appearing to indicate that both will match your needs equally. However, this number does not indicate which solution displays the best pattern of matching your needs, nor does it measure the risk inherent in the pattern.
To supplement the weighted average, TEC's decision support system uses the WACI, which allows you to better understand the data and put it into context. Combining the WACI and weighted average provides a better way to measure the consistency of a product's performance with respect to your needs. The resulting number is what TEC calls its BestMatchFactor™ (BMF). Look again at how the two vendors rank, this time using the BMF.
Vendor A scores a WACI of 0.5 against its score of 75:
Vendor B scores a WACI of 1 against its score of 75:
Vendor B, with the higher BMF, would thus be the more appropriate vendor for your organization.
TEC conducts this type of calculation on thousands of criteria, which are measured and compared across numerous vendor products. The results are displayed in clear, standardized, and customizable graphical formats and reports.
Comparing Needs
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CART 
