The ABCs of Optimization Technology
The term OPTIMIZATION is loosely used throughout the workforce management industry. The fact is, few software providers have the technological capabilities to provide "true" optimization. So what is optimization technology?

AD OPT's optimization technology is the result of Operations Research (OR), the science dedicated to the development of mathematical tools, algorithms and techniques to efficiently solve complex workforce management issues.

AD OPT Technologies employs mathematicians and OR researchers to optimally solve complex problems found in our everyday work lives. Our strength in OR provides us with a unique opportunity to design advanced optimization algorithms that are used as the "engine" behind our workforce management solutions - translating our strength in Operational Research into customized, flexible software solutions that respond to varying demands and industry specifics.

Born from an OR research group, AD OPT is committed to both internal and external research and development, spending more than the average software vendor on R&D each year. Our internal OR and R&D departments comprised of PhD's and Master's degree graduates are complemented by the on going research taking place at the internationally acclaimed GERAD research centre. Their scientific findings are integrated into our software solutions with the ultimate aim of enhancing your ability to plan, manage and schedule your staff.

Without getting into complicated formulas or descriptions, the following real world problem is faced by organizations everyday:

Hundreds of multi-skilled employees need to be scheduled on a daily basis, in a quick and orderly timeframe. With multiple shifts, conflicting tasks, rules, work configurations and employee preferences to consider, the scheduling function just got complicated. Add to the mix, sick leave, last minute absences and vacations - well, it's now really complicated.

How do you proceed?

You can attempt to manually - pen and paper - schedule the variables that you are aware of and deal with last minute occurrences as they happen. You can use limited spreadsheet functionalities to assist you in the short-term planning taking few constraints into consideration. Or you can use optimization technology to find a mathematically optimal solution that would take all variables and constraints into consideration using your objective as its main goal, ensuring a complete and automated resource allocation process.

What would be your ideal solution: manually, using limited computing capabilities or using optimization technology? With the ability to optimize processes, tasks or resources your ability to make accurate, real-time decisions that affect your operations is a competitive advantage. The choice is obvious.