Optimizing the Value Chain

The current emphasis on optimizing the value chain, or integrated planning, advocated by business strategists and logistics practitioners indicates that the time is ripe for large increases in the number and scope of mathematical programming applications. Recent breakthroughs in information technology make it possible to develop advanced decision support systems based on mathematical programming models for integrated planning that operate on desk-top computers. We developed an advanced DSS operating on a personal computer that was used to evaluate strategic production and distribution planning questions in a large consumer products company.