Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a Decision Support System (DSS)?

1. To perform automated purchase orders

2. To gather, cleanse, and present procurement information

3. To manage supplier audits

4. To generate financial reports

The correct answer is: To gather, cleanse, and present procurement information

The primary function of a Decision Support System (DSS) is to gather, cleanse, and present procurement information. A DSS is designed to assist with decision-making and problem-solving using data from various sources. It provides valuable insights that enable managers and decision-makers to evaluate complex scenarios and consider different options. By collecting and organizing relevant data, the DSS helps in analyzing procurement processes, identifying trends, and making informed choices. The cleansing aspect ensures that the data is accurate and reliable, thereby enhancing the quality of the analysis. As a result, stakeholders can make strategic procurement decisions based on comprehensive and well-structured information. The other functions listed, such as performing automated purchase orders, managing supplier audits, and generating financial reports, may be important in supply chain operations but do not capture the essence of a DSS's role. These activities tend to be more operational or transactional in nature, whereas a DSS focuses on supporting decision-making through data analytics.