Carprice.com is a good example of an on-line decision
support system. This site assists the vehicle buying experience almost
completely. It offers extensive information about new vehicles, and a good
deal of information on used vehicles. The site also helps the user obtain
insurance and financing if needed.
The system
This system is designed to allow the user to get help on any of the many decisions a car buyer faces from the opening page. Carrice.com uses a traditional web page setup, with links duplicated throughout the site for good surfability. It is visually pleasing, and utilizes outside resources to supplement decision making.
What kind of managerial work is the DSS designed to
support?
To provide information to inform the individual or
corporate entity on a variety of issues pertinent to the purchase of a new
or used vehicle.
Characterization of the support provided, including, what knowledge does it provide?
Car / Truck Prices (New), Target Pricing, Buying a New Car!, Buying a Used Car!, Car Negotiations Car Reviews (provided by New Car Test Drive magazine), Your Credit Report-On Line, Rebates and Incentives (New Car), Financing, Insurance, Leasing, Extended Warranty, Calculators, Auto Maker Web Sites (links to), Motorcycle Prices, Links to Autos (4,300+ links) Carprice.com provides an environment to help the consumer make almost all decisions surrounding the purchase of a vehicle. It could support some decisions better. Although it gives complete informaion about new vehicles, but it could support the used car buyer better. It does not provide used vehicle reviews, or pictures of used vehicles.
Each informational topic is presented as separate sections that can be used serially once a vehicle or price range has been selected. Each section adds to the knowledge base that will lead to an informed decision once or if the emotional portion can be contained. This system supports the experienced consumer better than the novice. A first time car buyer would most likely be looking for a used car. The system provides some support for the used car buyer, but could do a better job. A more experienced car buyer is more likely to be looking for a new car. Carprice.com does a good job offering information for the new car buyer.
How could the system be used?
The basic website is relatively complete but the provided vehicle reviews are from a single source and not from owners experience. That only provides new vehicle opinions and misses the experiences based upon real world ownerships. For example Consumers Reports provide both new vehicle and real world owner experience in their used vehicle section of their automotive edition.
What problem(s) does it solve during decision
making?
It is intended to provide sufficient information to
allow an informed decision pertaining to the acquisition of a vehicle.
What are the benefits of the DSS?
The website is laid out to provide not only information pertaining to selection of vehicles base on available models and prices but also provides insurance, financing, and purchasing vs leasing options. For motorcycle enthusiasts there is also section on available motorcycles.
Which decision role does the system support?
It is designed to support the individual or a corporate entity in the acquisition of a vehicle.
Examples of decisions the system supports
It provides
the ability to search for a new or used vehicle by several categories that
would be pertinent to the acquisition by an individual or corporate
entity.