Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition

SETTING UP AND RUNNING SOLVER

To set up Solver for the DJJ problem, choose Tools/Solver from the menu. A dialog box similar to the one shown in Figure B-4 appears. Setting up an optimization problem with Solver consists of four steps:

1. Specify the Target Cell (corresponds to the objective function in the algebraic model).
2. Specify the Changing Cells (corresponds to the decision variables in the algebraic model).
3. Specify the Constraints.
4. Specify Solver Options.

These steps are easy if you have previously completed the algebraic formulation and spreadsheet model. They are very difficult, and perhaps impossible, if you haven't. Most difficulties students have with Solver are not really with Solver, but arise because they either have not fully understood the problem or developed an algebraic formulation or have not developed a correct and flexible spreadsheet model.

Constraints

In Solver, the limitations and requirements that must be met.

Solver Options

Solver provides many options for the solution process. For LPs, the two most commonly used are Assume Linear Model and Assume Non-Negative.

FIGURE B-4 Solver Parameters box (empty)

The Target Cell is the cell that you want to maximize ...