Options analysis involves establishing credible possibilities for reducing risk. Sotera often accomplishes this in a workshop, which gives participants the freedom to exercise their creativity. Ranking schemes are employed to separate options that might be practicable from those that are now.

The process of options analysis involves assessing the benefits associated with each option, then comparing the benefits with the effort involved (time, trouble and expense). Sotera normally employs risk modelling and cost benefit analysis to assess this balance to provide an accurate result.