The Optimization Expert

We offer “Decision Optimization” public and in-house seminars in Malaysia. We can also conduct training outside Malaysia.

In the seminars, participants will learn how to make the best choices in optimizing performance measures (e.g. minimize cost, maximize profit) within boundary conditions (e.g. resources constraints) using advanced analytical methods and mathematical software called solvers. The 1-day seminar is for managers to understand the concept. The 3-day seminar is for the executives who will develop the models to support management decision making. Brochure for both seminars is here.

The seminar fee is fully claimable under HRDF SBL Scheme for eligible Malaysian employees and companies. If you plan to send more than 10 participants, we recommend in-house seminar. The in-house seminars venue and dates can be arranged to meet your needs.

We also offer 2-day workshop for participants who have attended the 3-day seminar to bring selected problems from their organization and solve it hands-on with guidance by instructor during the workshop.  The last workshop was held on 23-24 March, 2018 at Vistana Hotel, Penang.  Brochure is here.

Previous participants of public and in-house Decision Optimization seminars (done through collaboration with USAINS) include OSRAM, Intel, Silterra, USM, and MAHB. Recently participants include UPM, UiTM, and UNITEN/TNB. For further information, please contact us.

Preview of the training which we can present to your organization in 90 minutes.

If your business has complex decision making problem where you have to enumerate so many different possibilities before finding the optimal answer, we can help with developing the mathematical models and solving the problem quickly with mathematical software called solvers. You need to define the objectives, decision variables, and boundary conditions. We will build the mathematical model for you and the recommended optimal solution can be obtained quickly without having to enumerate. It may be possible to implement the model in Excel.

If the problem is too complex to model mathematically, we can use simulation modelling instead. The enumeration of each scenario will be done by the simulation software automatically after the input factors values have been defined.

We can assist in setting up O.R. capability in your organization.

Current consulting projects:

• Capacity optimization of highly complex tester cells for an I.C. manufacturer – reduce tester requirements by optimizing the assignment of products’ mix to tester
• Warehouse simulation modeling of a solar panel manufacturer – understand space, trucks, materials handling equipment, and headcount requirement to support product ramp

We have experience in using the following simulation and optimization software packages in solving our clients’ business decision making problems:

• IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio
• Excel Solver and OpenSolver for Excel
• Applied Material’s AutoMod discrete event simulation software
• AnyLogic simulation software

O.R. is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions. Also called Management Science or Decision Science, O.R. is the science of Decision-Making. Employing techniques from mathematical sciences, O.R. arrives at optimal or near-optimal solutions to complex decision-making problems. For example, to determine the maximum (e.g. profit, performance, or yield) or minimum (e.g. loss, risk, or cost).

OR/MS is not new as it started during World War II but it has been re-branded as Analytics recently. The techniques used in O.R. sit at the top half of Analytics Evolution diagram shown above. A brief screencast video introduction of where O.R. fits in the Analytics big picture.

There are 3 types of analytics: descriptive (what has happened), predictive (what will happen), and prescriptive (what should happen). Prescriptive Analytics or Optimization recommends one or more courses of action and showing the likely outcome of each decision so that the business decision-maker can take this information and act.

Here are the O.R. leading edge techniques:

• Simulation (predictive analytics)
  • Giving you the ability to try out approaches and test ideas for improvement
• Optimization (prescriptive analytics)
  • Narrowing your choices to the very best where there are virtually innumerable feasible options and comparing them is difficult
• Probability and statistics (predictive analytics)
  • Helping you measure risk, mine data to find valuable connections and insights, test conclusions, and make reliable forecasts

Here are some useful links if you would like to learn more about O.R.:

OR: The Science of Better

INFORMS: What is Operations Research

My personal view about O.R. in Malaysia.