A model management solution system for multicommodity network flows

Abstract

There are certain decision problems in the industry for which theoretically reasonable optimization models are not usable in practice, either because the model is cumbersome and difficult, or because the decision information produced is inappropriate and poorly focused on the problem at hand. The class of models known in operations research literature as multicommodity network flows belongs in this category. This paper presents a decision modeling system for multicommodity network flows using model management techniques to generate part-solutions targeted on the decision maker's specific queries. This method avoids the repeated complex solution process of a large model. The decision maker can direct his attention to decision issues, without regard to the technical characteristics of the model. The dynamic character of the decision process is enhanced by direct interaction with the normal business database. The decision modeling system is illustrated here with a problem in the operations of a hypothetical oil company, a typical example of multicommodity network flows.