• Modeling Tools
• AMPL Shell
• AMPL Studio
• AMPL COM
• SPInE

 

Modelling Tools

Optimization: Optimisation is a sophisticated mathematical tool employed in Operations Research (OR) that enables business/industry to find the best possible outcomes subject to given constraints.  It employs statistical analysis, mathematical modelling and advanced algorithms to assist in arriving at optimal decisions considering the existing constraints and potentials to deliver cutting edge advantage over cutthroat competitors.

Modelling Tools: Modelling tools aid to formulate business problems into mathematical expressions, which can be readily subjected to the rigours of optimisation algorithms.  Formulation of practical situations requires extensive knowledge and insightful understanding.  However, modelling tools considerably reduce the apparent complexities by virtue of their intrinsic orderliness, thus bringing about the much needed clarity and simplicity.  The beauty of modelling is in its ability to breakdown labyrinthine state of affairs to simple understandable concepts thus permitting even non-professionals to take advantage of the advancements in Operations Research. 

Applications in business & Academics: OR methods have been broadly applied to industry problems, including strategic, tactical and operational issues.  Stochastic programming helps to tackle complex financial problems, taking into account various risks and uncertainties associated with future, delivering robust outcomes not withstanding any individual scenario.  Linear programming greatly aids in cost reduction, scheduling, facility planning etc.  Often cost advantages amounting to roughly 15% are achieved through preliminary OR analyses, not to mention the dramatic improvements in risk hedging and phenomenal return on investments resulting from rigorous OR initiatives, especially in the financial sector.

AMPL Language: AMPL (A Mathematical Programming Language) is a comprehensive and powerful algebraic modelling language for mathematical programming, particularly linear and non-linear optimisation problems. AMPL makes it possible to use common notations to formulate optimization models and to examine solutions while the computer communicates with an appropriate solver.

Modelling tools are employed to assist the end user to maintain and amend AMPL models. An integrated user-friendly GUI is required and standard form for communicating stochastic programming instances to different solvers is required. Some of the key requirements of the user include integration with existing applications, manage project structure and set solver options.

OptiRisk Modelling Tools: OptiRisk Systems offer a family of modelling tools such as AMPL Studio, AMPL Shell, AMPL-COM and SPlnE.

AMPL Studio: AMPL Studio is a integrated modelling environment based on AMPL language which offers user-friendly graphical interface with Windows features, including dialog boxes, mouse support, pull-down menus, graphics, toolbar, and on-line help. It provides efficient work-space management and a compact and easy database connection, which links AMPL Studio with relational databases and other data sources, enabling the model developer to gather both indexes and data values from various data sources and import them directly into the model. It has the ability to seamlessly integrate with multiple solvers.

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AMPL Shell: AMPL Shell is an interactive shell-level modelling environment with interfaces with a large number of solvers such as CONOPT, CPLEX, FortMP, MOPS, KNITRO, LGO, LANCELOT, LOQO, LSGRG, MINOS, OSL, SNOPT, and XA. It provides direct database connectivity. It also has powerful scripting features, including looping and control statements and has the additional option to access user defined functions from external libraries. It is also equipped with advanced non-linear features such as user defined functions and fast automatic differentiation.

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AMPL-COM: AMPL-COM is an object library containing objects, methods and properties for implementing optimization models in end-user applications and can seamlessly integrate AMPL models into various different programming platforms, such as VBA for Excel/Access, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Delphi and Java. It is equipped with features such as reading and querying modelling information and keeping multiple models in memory. It provides facilities for importing and exporting from spreadsheets and databases. It also supports multiple solvers and provides access to AMPL internal data structures.

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SPlnE:SPInE is an integrated modelling and solving environment for stochastic programming to solve large scale problems.  Stochastic Programming is used to solve Optimization Problems under uncertainties. The modelling subsystem of the SPInE environment is based on the stochastic programming extensions SAMPL The ability to generate model data in SMPS format gives SPInE the ability to link to any external solver. SPInE is closely coupled with the stochastic solver FortSP bringing power to the modelling environment. It also enables the user to perform “Scenario Analysis” and supports ODBC standard for database connectivity.

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