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Decision automation is the use of software to automatically make choices in business. It is distinct from a decision support system because the software can actually make decisions instead of just offering information to humans who then make decisions. Decision automation makes choices based on preprogrammed business rules.
Decision automation differs from decision support systems because the software actually makes the decisions. With a decision support system, the software presents a human executive with the relevant information, but he or she actually makes the choice.
Decision automation systems make choices based on business rules, often using Bayesian logic. The system learns from its successes and failures. Automated decision making is well-suited to areas where there is a predetermined range of good outcomes and where good decisions are predictable. These include manufacturing, petroleum refining, healthcare and finance.