Operations research is the science of system optimization using various mathematical and scientific methods. Typical applications in industry include efforts to optimize enterprise activities by:

• Minimizing costs
• Maximizing profits
• Minimizing flow times
• Minimizing distance travelled
• Optimizing assignment of resources
• Minimizing waits and delays
• Scheduling to minimize Work in Process

Operations Researchers can be found in academia, government, and private industry and are especially valuable to enterprises that must effectively manage scarce resources.

One general methodology for operations research studies is to model a real world situation (usually mathematically) and use techniques such as mathematical programming, heuristic strategies, or simulation to optimize or predict performance.

Enterprise managers can then make decisions based on scientific analysis of models and results of optimizations.

Classic analysis tools include Linear and Dynamic programming, Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) solvers, Queueing Theory and models, Decision Theory, Project Scheduling - PERT/CPM, and computer simulation.

Good reference material for operations research methods include:

"Operations Reaerch: An Introduction" by Hamdy A Taha

and

"Introduction to Operations Research" by Hillier and Lieberman

Be sure to download and try our OR related software (i.e. Linear Programming Tool, Deluxe TSP Tool, and Assembly Line Tool) from Archer Tools. All tools can be downloaded from our download page.

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