Decision support tools (DSTs) are typically software tools used to implement components of workflows. Dr. Crist is a recognized expert in DSTs having designed his first one in the mid 1990s, working with the University of Wyoming. He has extensive experience in designing, overseeing development, product management, and support for desktop and online systems such as NatureServe Vista (which was a GIS system in use for nearly twenty years) and the LandScale.org system for measuring landscape sustainability. He led or advised on multiple tool surveys, and advised on the development of a variety of DSTs including Esri’s green infrastructure tool, the Argonne National Laboratory tool for energy siting, and the Western Governor’s Association Crucial Habitat tool. PlanIt Forward’s DST services identifying appropriate tools, configuring existing tools into an interoperating toolkit to perform entire workflows, and developing new DSTs to fill gaps in current tool capabilities. Some services PlanIt Forward can provide include:

• Initial tool conception including user research and use cases
• Workflow modeling for tool functionality
• Using the agile approach to work with or lead a software development team
• Testing and tool refinement
• Development of technical guidance, training and support infrastructure
• Ongoing product management
• Providing user support in applying systems to their applications.