Abstract: A technical merit index-based web model for implementing a technical merit index tool facilitates product selection. A technical user input section is populated via a global network with defined selection factors and desired values for each of the selection factors for a product to be selected. A product supplier input section is populated via the global network with product specifications relating to the defined selection factors. A technical merit index is determined for each candidate product based on a summation of normalized product specifications for each of the defined selection factors relative to the desired values. The web model and method facilitate product selection using objective criteria that is weighted based on the importance of the respective selection factors.

Abstract: A technical merit index tool establishes qualification thresholds to facilitate product selection. The technical merit index tool includes a technical user input section including defined selection factors and desired values for each of the selection factors for a product to be selected. A product supplier input section includes product specifications relating to the defined selection factors. A processor determines a technical merit index for each candidate product based on a summation of normalized product specifications for each of the defined selection factors relative to the desired values. The tool and method facilitate product selection using objective criteria that is weighted based on the importance of the respective selection factors.

Abstract: A technical merit index tool establishes qualification thresholds to facilitate product selection. The technical merit index tool includes a technical user input section including defined selection factors and desired values for each of the selection factors for a product to be selected. The desired values include a weight factor relating to an importance level for each of the defined selection factors using a first nonlinear optimization algorithm and ranking criteria for each of the defined selection factors using a second nonlinear optimization algorithm. A product supplier input section includes product specifications relating to the defined selection factors. A processor determines a technical merit index for each candidate product based on a summation of normalized product specifications for each of the defined selection factors relative to the desired values.