Integration of data base management system with optimization

Abstract

Purpose of Study: Much time is spent managing the data base and modeling an optimization problem. This report proposes the use of data base management system with optimization. This integrated system offers many advantages compared with the conventional ways of modeling the optimization problem. The integrated system makes use of the existing data base, generates the relevant problem, solves it and produces the necessary reports for the user. An example presented in this study illustrates the entire process of such an integrated system.

Findings and Conclusions: The DBMS based optimization can save the modeler a lot of time and effort. Also, this can improve the overall reliability and accuracy of the model. The modeler consequently has more time to concentrate on the model. Data entry/updates are not duplicated. Updates to the optimization problem can be made simply by updating the data rather than the problem itself. The user can generate a wide variety of reports on the problem solution, which are more understandable and easier to interpret than the problem solution itself. The conclusion is that the DBMS-based optimization is recommended over ad hoc data and ad hoc report procedures.