Syncopation Software

DPMX

DPMX: A Decision Analysis Portfolio Management System

A Cloud-based, On-demand R&D Portfolio Prioritization System

DPMX is the solution for organizations that want a project and portfolio management software that is based in solid, proven decision analytics and backed by enterprise-level data management tools -- effectively stamping out the labyrinth of email, conflicting spreadsheet revisions and "which are the latest results" debacles so teams can focus on what matters most -- creating portfolio value!

See how the DPMX System can alleviate your team's most exasperating PPM pain points via our short product introduction video:

Excel Inputs
Project managers and subject matter experts provide inputs to the system via an Excel spreadsheet. Excel is the vernacular for project valuation and a familiar, learn-nothing-new environment for users to provide project-specific inputs to the system. Users check out a project from DPMX which downloads the project data in an Excel spreadsheet. Not only does the spreadsheet furnish a familiar environment for data elicitation, it also provides real time feedback of project valuation metrics, increasing ownership and reducing errors. Once the user completes inputting data changes, s/he checks the spreadsheet back into DPMX. DPMX uploads the data to the central portfolio database.

The spreadsheet contains all of the data necessary to evaluate the project. The spreadsheet also contains the complete implementation of the valuation model. Virtually anything that can be modeled in an Excel spreadsheet can be built into the valuation model.

Database
A centralized database stores input data for all projects in the portfolio. The database provides multi-user access with tracking of changes and retention of historical versions, eliminating the confusion that can occur with simultaneous edits. You define levels of read and/or write user access to project inputs at the project, business unit or portfolio level. Define levels of access to analytical results with the same granularity.
DPMX Portal

DPMX is an intranet portal that serves as the hub of the portfolio analysis system. It streamlines the portfolio review process via a central access point for everything from collecting data to presenting results.

The DPMX Portal provides check-out/check-in of projects, presentation of results and system configuration.

DPMX re-evaluates the portfolio on a schedule that you determine: hourly, twice daily, daily.



The central database stores portfolio analysis results for on-demand access to a complete suite of graphical and numeric reports. Further, users can add custom reports and charts via the portal administration tab.Here are just a few of the attractive, management-friendly defaults charts offered:

DPL Analytics

DPL Portfolio, the class-leading decision analytic portfolio platform, powers the analytical engine for the system. DPL Portfolio calculates expected metrics for each project in the portfolio including the calculation of the probability of success of each project based on the underlying uncertainties in the valuation models. The riskiness of a project is an OUTPUT of the system not a back-of-the-envelope guesstimation that you input into the system. DPL Portfolio aggregates project level results to provide metrics for the overall portfolio. In addition to expected/probabilistic results, DPL Portfolio calculates base case or given success results for each project.

DPL Portfolio defines the portfolio-wide metrics used to evaluate projects in the portfolio and to calculate overall portfolio level results.

Historically, DPL Portfolio has served corporations as the desktop analytical engine integrated into a broader portfolio decision support system. More recently, Syncopation extended the desktop application into a server-based application to better serve clients with the most demanding needs, i.e. lots of users, lots of projects, and a whole lot of complexity. Now, DPMX brings it all together by fitting DPL Portfolio, Excel spreadsheet valuation, a central portal and all the other data management "stuff" together into a single box. DPMX ships with a single, customizable valuation model so you can easily and quickly whip up an enterprise-grade database-powered, intranet-accessed portfolio analysis system.

Template Models (DPL Decision Tree + Compiled Spreadsheet)

DPMX represents the portfolio of projects via standardized template models. A template model consists of

  1. a flexible, intuitive decision tree which describes the timing and structure of the decisions and uncertainties common to the projects represented by the template model, and

  2. an Excel cash flow spreadsheet which provides the valuation model for the projects.

DPMX Template Decision Tree Model

A portfolio in DPMX can contain multiple template models depending upon the nature of the portfolio being evaluated. But note that not every project has to fit a mold; there is unlimited customization for critical and/or one-of-a-kind projects. Custom models for projects requiring extra attention can be incorporated into the system.

The DPMX System uses Excel spreadsheets that have been automatically converted into DPL native code to provide huge performance boosts when analyzing the portfolio while also maintaining the ability for users of the system to work in the familiar Excel environment when providing inputs.