Explore the most common questions and answers about the SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) method, including its basic concepts, calculation steps, and practical applications. Learn how to easily rank alternatives and make better decisions using our online SAW software.
Basic Concepts
What is the SAW method?
SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) is one of the most common multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods used to evaluate and rank alternatives based on weighted criteria.
What does SAW stand for?
It stands for Simple Additive Weighting.
What is the main concept of SAW?
Each alternative is scored by multiplying the normalized performance values by their corresponding weights and summing the results.
Who developed the SAW method?
The SAW method has been widely used since the 1950s and is one of the oldest and simplest MCDM techniques.
Why is SAW widely used?
Because it is simple, easy to understand, and provides clear and consistent results.
Methodology and Steps
What are the main steps in the SAW method?
- Identify criteria and alternatives
- Assign weights to criteria
- Build the decision matrix
- Normalize the decision matrix
- Multiply normalized values by weights
- Calculate total scores and rank alternatives
What is a decision matrix?
It’s a table showing the performance of each alternative under each criterion.
What is normalization in SAW?
Normalization transforms data into comparable scales, ensuring that criteria with different units can be combined.
How is normalization performed?
By dividing each value by the maximum value (for benefit criteria) or the minimum value (for cost criteria).
How are final scores calculated?
Each normalized value is multiplied by its corresponding weight, and the results are summed to get the total score for each alternative.
Interpretation and Ranking
How are alternatives ranked in SAW?
Alternatives are ranked based on their total weighted scores — the higher the score, the better the alternative.
Can SAW handle both benefit and cost criteria?
Yes, benefit criteria are maximized, and cost criteria are minimized during normalization.
What is the output of the SAW method?
A ranked list of alternatives based on their overall performance scores.
What does a higher score mean?
A higher score indicates better performance according to the weighted criteria.
Can SAW be used when data are on different scales?
Yes, normalization allows comparison across different measurement units.
Applications
Where is the SAW method used?
In project selection, supplier evaluation, personnel ranking, resource allocation, and performance assessment.
Why is SAW considered a base method for MCDM?
Because many other methods (like TOPSIS and VIKOR) are conceptually based on its principles.
Can SAW handle qualitative data?
Yes, qualitative assessments can be converted into numerical scores.
Is SAW suitable for group decision-making?
Yes, it can combine multiple experts’ weights and evaluations.
What are the advantages of SAW?
It’s simple, efficient, easy to compute, and provides transparent results.
Using the Software
Can SAW be used online?
Yes, you can perform all calculations using the SAW online software at OnlineOutput.com.
What data are needed for SAW software?
A list of criteria, their weights, and the performance values of each alternative.
What outputs does the SAW software provide?
- Normalized decision matrix
- Weighted values
- Final scores
- Ranking of alternatives
Does the software perform normalization automatically?
Yes, the software automatically normalizes data and calculates all scores.
Can results be exported or shared?
Yes, results can be exported for reporting and analysis.
Advanced Topics
What is the difference between SAW and Fuzzy SAW?
SAW uses precise numerical data, while Fuzzy SAW handles uncertainty using fuzzy numbers.
Can sensitivity analysis be performed in SAW?
Yes, by changing weights or values and observing how rankings change.
Is SAW a compensatory method?
Yes, a poor performance on one criterion can be compensated by a good performance on another.
Can SAW handle a large number of criteria?
Yes, but consistency in assigning weights becomes increasingly important.
Why use SAW for decision-making?
Because it’s fast, practical, and provides accurate results even for large-scale problems.
Experience the SAW online software: