Center for Applied Research on Supply Chain Services at Fraunhofer IIS»Optimization« colloquially is often used as a synonym for »doing something better«. Mathematical optimization, however, means the targeted search for an optimal solution to a well-defined problem. For this purpose, the planning rules and objectives valid in the company are translated into a mathematical model that takes into account all conceivable solutions for the task at hand. To then solve this model, two requirements need to be met. First, data needs to be available, as this is the basis for decision making. Second, a powerful algorithm is needed, which can solve the optimization problem within the required response time. Given the ever-improving data availability of companies and continuous progress in solution algorithms, it is becoming increasingly possible to mathematically model planning tasks at faster and faster speeds.
Group Optimization
Customized optimization software for your use case
The »Optimization« group develops customized optimization software for planning and controlling logistical and industrial processes. We model concrete planning tasks, analyze their complexity, develop suitable solution algorithms, and prepare them for application as optimization software in the partner company. Through our solutions, our partners save time and resources, and can drastically decrease their manual planning efforts.
Trust is good, optimization is better
Our research focuses on particularly difficult optimization problems that are not solved or not solved sufficiently well with standard algorithms. We develop or extend algorithms so that they meet our high standards for performance and solution quality. Together with the groups »Data Science« or »Process Intelligence« we research how optimal decisions can be made based on uncertain information. For example, we can mathematically model the predicted need for spare parts or for transport volumes as a basis for robust decision making.
Competences and methods
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