Update: I uninstalled SupportAssist 3.14 from my PC. I then reinstalled from the dell SuportAssist website.  This time it functioned as expected after a restart after the installation.  So it looks like the upgrade process broke the functionality.   
SupportAssist updated to version  3.14  when I started my m15 R3 Alienware machine last night. Now - SupportAssist 3.14 no longer works.  When I run the checks - tune Performance and Optimize Network fail to run. Also the 'Scan Hardware' function takes seconds and my fans don't spin up like they used to. I don't think its scanning anything. I decided to open a support ticket so I clicked on the 'Get Support' button within SupportAssist. I tried to create a new request but it just kicks of a new 'Get drivers & downloads' scan that stays stuck at 'preparing'.  This update seems to have completely destroyed any functionality of this product? It's worked perfectly for 3 years - now this update has broken it? Are dell even aware of this?        
SupportAssist 3.14 - no longer work after latest update