An Operational Research Consultant (ORC) is a professional dedicated to analysing and solving optimisation problems arising from the need to improve existing processes in practice. One of the key features of an ORC is his/her analytic capacity and the ability to create data models, …
Companies that need to procure large amounts of a certain product usually get what is known as sales volume discounts from the providers. Volume discounts establish an amount above which a discount is applied for any additional units bought, or for the total purchase.
One of the questions I get asked quite often from members of the Decide Operational Research Unit is: How is a Piecewise Linear Function (PWL) formulated so that it can be resolved with an Integer Linear Programming engine?
To determine if a number is almost a palindrome, we would need to define a function that allows us to measure the distance from being a palindrome. Once such as measure were defined, we would need to define a threshold of values for which we would consider the licence plate to be almost a palindrome.
This is what I mean when I talk about optimisation: the application of software, mathematical or statistical techniques in automated decision-making. This is the work that Decide has been conducting in this area since it was founded.
The work Decide undertook for REE can be described as highly satisfactory. Decide has shown itself to be a serious company with technically qualified personnel who have fulfilled the commitments undertaken within the framework established in the contract.
The Project aims to automate, based on a series of requests and variables, shifts assignments for personnel in charge of driving trains and serving at stations. Assignments need to comply with existing agreements, be reliable and consistent. Also, they must be able to adapt according to people’s different circumstances and business needs at any given time.