A filter system for technology evaluation and selection

The development and application of an integrated model for technology selection are presented. Because evaluation data may be scarce and organizations must economize on their efforts, the selection model proceeds in two related stages. The first stage, the elimination filter, weeds out candidates that do not fit the missions, capabilities and environments of the organization. Technologies surviving the first stage are evaluated in depth at the second stage of the model, the technology selection procedure, where the winning technologies are selected and funded. The elimination filter utilizes criteria that can be modified to reflect the dynamism of the organization's focus. The selection procedure is robust and rigorous, while still open to flexible interpretations. The model encourages interdepartmental collaboration in collecting input data and in examining its outputs, thus fostering team cohesiveness and decisiveness.