2.1. Introduction

★ What is the MindOpt? ★

MindOpt optimization solver is an efficient software for solving optimization problems. It can be used in a wide range of fields such as scientific research, electrical energy, industrial manufacturing, transportation and logistics, retail, finance, and cloud computing.

It is the core of industrial software and a powerful tool to help enterprises reduce costs and improve efficiency.

For currently available functions, please refer to Overview . For learn how to download and use MindOpt, see Quick start.

More capabilities are under development, please pay attention to our release notice.

★ What optimization techniques can be used to do? ★

In brief, it is used to find the best solution.

For example, how to schedule the project plan with the shortest time, how to arrange the power generation plan with the lowest total cost, how to allocate the inventory capital with the lowest risk level, how to launch a rocket the least fuel cost, how to do radiotherapy with the least harm to healthy tissues, etc. All these maximum and minimum problems are the application scenarios of optimization technology.

In practice, people need to analyze the system structure and behavior of these problems, as well as the desired goals, and then list a series of mathematical models such as equations, inequalities, functions, simulation programs and other mathematical models that describe these structures, behaviors and goals. This process is usually called “modeling” (modeling), and is generally completed by people who have studied “operations research” courses.

The more complex the system is, the more complex the equations are listed, and many problems are far more complex than can be dealt with by “beating the head”. At this time, optimization techniques (Optimization) are needed to “solve” these models-that is, to find the best answer to the problem.

In addition to modeling, the core link in optimization technology is optimization algorithms, which are programs that direct computers to find the best answers. For some questions, a good algorithm can find the best answer in one second, but a less good algorithm may take hours or even days. This level of computational/solution efficiency is the main indicator to evaluate the level of algorithm developer technology.

The optimization solver contains a variety of optimization algorithms that can help quickly solve the best solution for business problems.