1. General Questions
What is SAS Decision Builder?
SAS Decision Builder is a powerful SaaS product designed to help organizations automate and optimize complex decision-making processes. It enables users to create, deploy, and manage decision flows using business rules, Python code, and machine learning models, allowing for seamless integration of automated decisions into business workflows.
Who should use SAS Decision Builder?
SAS Decision Builder is ideal for data scientists, business analysts, decision-makers, and IT professionals who need to automate repetitive decision-making processes. It is particularly valuable for industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, where decisions need to be made at scale with precision and compliance.
What are typical use cases for SAS Decision Builder?
Common use cases include:
- Loan approval automation
- Fraud detection and prevention
- Customer segmentation and personalized offers
- Risk assessment and compliance checks
- Claims processing in insurance
- Inventory management in retail
2. Getting Started
How do I access SAS Decision Builder?
SAS Decision Builder is available on the Microsoft Fabric Workload Hub. After subscribing, you can access it via the Microsoft Fabric environment.
What are the prerequisites for using SAS Decision Builder?
SAS Decision Builder requires:
- To get started, you just need access to the Microsoft Fabric environment and a valid Fabric license to access SAS Decision Builder on the Microsoft Fabric Workload Hub
- Basic knowledge of decision automation, rules-based systems, and familiarity with Python (for advanced customizations)
What kind of training or resources are available for new users?
The Learn and Support page for SAS Decision Builder offers tutorials, documentation, and video demos to help you get started. Additionally, SAS provides webinars and support options for users looking to deepen their understanding of the platform.
3. Features and Functionality
Can I use machine learning models in my decision flows?
Yes, SAS Decision Builder allows you to integrate machine learning models, including those built in Azure ML Model, as part of your decision flows. You can combine rule-based logic with predictive models to enhance decision accuracy and automation.
What types of decision logic can I implement in SAS Decision Builder?
You can implement a variety of decision logic, including:
- Rule sets for rule-based decisions
- Python code files for custom logic
- Branching logic to handle different decision paths
- Integration of machine learning models for predictive insights
How do I create and manage variables within SAS Decision Builder?
Variables can be created in the Variables tab of each rule set or Python code file. You can define input and output variables, set data types (e.g., decimal, integer, string), and configure whether they’re used as inputs or outputs in the decision flow.
Can I modify rules or decision logic on the fly?
Yes, SAS Decision Builder supports on-the-fly updates to rules and decision flows. You can easily edit existing rule sets, add or modify variables, and update logic without needing to recreate the entire flow.
What is the validation feature, and why is it important?
The validation feature checks your decision flow for potential errors or configuration issues before you run it. Validation ensures that all rules, variables, and connections are set up correctly, reducing the risk of errors when executing your decision flow.
4. Technical and Deployment Questions
Where does SAS Decision Builder store decision outcomes?
Decision outcomes can be stored in a designated lakehouse table within your Microsoft Fabric environment, where they can be accessed and analyzed for further insights.
What are the technical requirements for deploying SAS Decision Builder?
SAS Decision Builder requires a Microsoft Azure subscription and access to Microsoft Fabric for deployment. It also integrates with other Azure services, such as data storage solutions, if needed.
How can I integrate SAS Decision Builder with other enterprise applications?
SAS Decision Builder offers flexible integration options, including API-based integrations and connections to data sources within Microsoft Fabric. You can connect it with CRM, ERP, and BI systems to synchronize data and decisions across platforms.
Is SAS Decision Builder a low-code/no-code solution?
SAS Decision Builder offers a combination of low-code and code-based options. Business users can set up rules and decision flows using a visual interface, while technical users can add custom logic using Python code files and machine learning models for advanced capabilities.
5. Troubleshooting and Support
I encountered an error during validation. How do I resolve it?
Validation errors are displayed in the Errors panel. Click on each error to navigate directly to the component causing the issue, where you can make the necessary adjustments. Refer to the documentation for common error types and solutions.
What should I do if my decision flow produces unexpected outcomes?
Review your rules, variables, and branching logic to ensure they are configured correctly. Use the validation tool to catch any setup errors and consult the Learn and Support page for troubleshooting tips.
How can I access support for SAS Decision Builder?
SAS provides a variety of support options for SAS Decision Builder users:
Can I request additional features or customizations for SAS Decision Builder?
SAS values user feedback and considers feature requests in future updates. You can submit feature requests through SAS Decision Builder communities page.
6. Security and Compliance
Is SAS Decision Builder compliant with data protection standards?
Yes, SAS Decision Builder is designed to comply with major data protection standards and can be deployed in environments that meet industry security standards. Additionally, it inherits the security and compliance capabilities of Microsoft Fabric.
How secure is the data processed by SAS Decision Builder?
SAS Decision Builder uses Microsoft Azure’s security framework to protect data at rest and in transit. Access control, encryption, and data masking options are available to help safeguard sensitive information.
Can I control access to specific decision flows within SAS Decision Builder?
Yes, SAS Decision Builder supports role-based access control, allowing you to manage user permissions and restrict access to certain decision flows, rule sets, or datasets as needed.
7. Pricing
How is SAS Decision Builder priced?
- SAS Decision Builder pricing is based on a usage model and on number of seats.
- Usage metrics are based on the number of decisions that made using SAS Decision Builder, so each transaction sent to SAS Decision Builder is monitored and recorded against your plan.
- Details about SAS Decision Builder plans can be found on the Marketplace.
8. Product Roadmap and Future Enhancements
Are there plans to add more features to SAS Decision Builder?
SAS continuously improves SAS Decision Builder based on user feedback and market trends. Future updates may include additional integrations, advanced analytics capabilities, and enhancements to the user interface. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming releases.
How can I stay informed about product updates?
Subscribe to SAS Decision Builder communities page to receive updates on new features, technical support, and product announcements for SAS Decision Builder.
