KEVOS® WORKOS · Decide
Two-Option Comparison
Which of two options gives the stronger overall outcome?
Compares two options on benefit-to-cost, risk and delivery time, and says when they are too close to call.
Open the calculatorRuns in your browser. No account needed.
How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Option A annual benefit | $ | Option A annual benefit from its business case |
| Option A cost | $ | Option A total cost estimate or quotation |
| Option A delivery time | days | Option A delivery time from the supplier or plan |
| Option A risk | 1–5 score | Option A risk rating from the risk assessment (1 low, 5 high) |
| Option B annual benefit | $ | Option B annual benefit from its business case |
| Option B cost | $ | Option B total cost estimate or quotation |
| Option B delivery time | days | Option B delivery time from the supplier or plan |
| Option B risk | 1–5 score | Option B risk rating (1 low, 5 high) |
Method and formulas
- Score = 50 × (benefit ÷ cost) + 8 × (6 − risk) + max(0, 40 − delivery days ÷ 3)
- Too close to call when the scores are within 10% of the higher score
Limitations
- Fixed weighting between value, risk and time
- Benefit-to-cost is not discounted
- Mandatory requirements must be checked separately
Typical uses
- Choosing between two equipment, supplier or project options
- Preparing a recommendation paper
- Testing which assumption decides the choice
Who it is for
- Managers and engineers preparing recommendations
- Project sponsors
What you get
- OPTION A, OPTION B or TOO CLOSE TO CALL
- Score for each option
- Side-by-side comparison table
Interpreting the result
- Exclude any option that fails a mandatory requirement before scoring
- When too close, decide on factors outside the score or improve the data
References
- Kepner C. H. and Tregoe B. B., The New Rational Manager (Princeton Research Press) for structured option analysis
WORKOS tools are screening and decision-support utilities. Verify important financial, engineering, safety, legal or operational decisions using appropriate professional standards and your organisation’s approved data.
