Resource Optimization with Global Optimizer™

Every company strives to be efficient, yet many are unaware that there are tools they can use to determine exactly how to allocate resources most efficiently. Global Optimizer is not only one of these tools; it is best-in-class.

Analytics

Global Optimizer supports all of the most powerful and essential methods for resource optimization, including:

• Optimization:
  Find the best solution subject to business constraints (using linear, integer, and nonlinear programming).
• Decision tree analysis:
  Choose the best course of action when future outcomes are uncertain.
• Heuristics:
  Find very good solutions to very complex problems (used when traditional methods cannot be applied).
• Monte Carlo simulation:
  Model uncertainty to help manage business risk and simulate complex systems.
• Sensitivity analysis:
  Determine which assumptions drive your decisions most.

Solving Complex Problems with Infinite Solutions

Global Optimizer allows you to find a resource allocation solution that minimizes or maximizes some business metric. For example, choosing the product mix that maximizes profit given limited raw materials and resources; or, finding a minimal cost distribution plan that satisfies customer demands and material availabilities. These problems can literally involve an infinite number of possible solutions, yet Global Optimizer often finds the best solution in seconds.

Where Other Tools Fail, Vanguard Excels

To use most optimization solutions, you must assume that your business environment is deterministic -- meaning that you know all input parameters with 100% certainty. What happens when you don't have all the answers? What if next month's customer demand not known; or, a manufacturing time could take anywhere from two minutes to twenty? Other tools fail in these cases and cannot be used. However, Global Optimizer supports a flexible modeling environment that enables any business scenario to be modeled, analyzed, or solved, regardless of uncertainty assumptions.

Benefits and Features

• Collaboration: Many individuals simultaneously contribute to an analysis effort. Like building blocks, easily combine their knowledge, assumptions, and historical data into optimization models.
• Real-time results: Rest assured you always have the latest results. Global Optimizer automatically updates your models as changes are made in any component.
• Automate routine analysis: Eliminate time-consuming model set-ups and let Global Optimizer automate routine analysis with a few clicks.
• Reusable model library: You do not have to re-invent the wheel with each new planning and analysis effort. Simply search your model library to find similar or related models that you can update, link to, or specialize.
• Instant Web reports: With a few clicks, Global Optimizer turns models into interactive Web reports. Access your models anytime from anywhere, fully exercise the models in real time, and distribute your results to everyone who needs them.
• Easy integration: Global Optimizer integrates directly with your existing business systems such as databases, enterprise applications, and even spreadsheets.