Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition

SOLVER BASICS

Given the spreadsheet model, you could use it to try out different solutions. As we saw previously, it is easy to tell whether a solution is feasible. Therefore, through some trial and error, you could most likely find the optimal solution to this problem. Since there are only two decision variables, this probably will not take you long. However, for a larger problem, finding the optimal solution using this approach would at best take much longer, and most likely you would never find the optimal solution.

Excel's Solver add-in solves optimization problems. An add-in is an additional piece of software that enhances Excel's core capabilities. By default, Solver does not load automatically when Excel starts. To load Solver, go to Tools/Add Ins and select Solver from the list that appears. If this is the first time you have used Solver on your machine, you may be prompted to insert your Microsoft Office CD so that the Solver software can be copied onto your hard disk. Once you have selected (and possibly installed) Solver from the Add Ins list, it will automatically be loaded every time Excel starts until you deselect it from the Add Ins list.

Target Cell

In Solver, the cell to be maximized or minimized. This cell corresponds to the objective value.

Problem-Solving Tip: Solver Is Not in the Add Ins List If you are using Excel 2000 or later, Solver should appear on the ...