Decision tree vs simulation to determinate minimal maintenance costs in IT industry

The main goal of this contribution is to suggest to computer assembling company the optimal replacement of the most critical computer component according to criterion of the minimum guarantee repairs costs during warranty period. Guarantee repair costs were calculated using a method of decision tree and using of simulation of the most critical component lifetime. As simulations input were used particular component lifetime and user load for different computer types. Probability distribution of simulation inputs was based on a theoretical curve fitting the sample data. The decision tree and the simulation were performed in the program Decision Tools. It was considered that the installation of the cheapest critical components brings the highest costs necessary for computer warranty service due to shorter failure-free runs. For this reason, the company should choose a compromise between the price and quality.