OptQuest

OptQuest is a general-purpose optimization software package developed by OptTek Systems, Inc. It utilizes a combination of metaheuristic optimization techniques, primarily based on scatter search and tabu search, to find near-optimal solutions to complex optimization problems.

OptQuest can be integrated with various simulation and modeling software packages, allowing users to optimize the parameters of their models to achieve desired performance goals. It is often used in situations where the objective function is complex, non-linear, non-convex, or stochastic, making traditional optimization methods impractical or ineffective.

The software typically operates by generating a set of trial solutions, evaluating their performance using the underlying simulation model, and then using the optimization algorithms to intelligently explore the solution space and identify improved solutions. This iterative process continues until a stopping criterion is met, such as a maximum number of iterations or a target performance level.

Key features of OptQuest often include:

• Integration with simulation software: Compatibility with popular simulation platforms such as Arena, Simio, and AnyLogic.
• Metaheuristic optimization: Implementation of scatter search and tabu search algorithms, often in conjunction with other heuristics.
• Constraint handling: Ability to handle various types of constraints on the decision variables.
• Statistical analysis: Tools for analyzing the results of the optimization process and assessing the statistical significance of the findings.
• User interface: A graphical user interface for configuring and running optimization experiments.

OptQuest is commonly employed in a wide range of applications, including manufacturing, logistics, supply chain management, healthcare, and finance, to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.