The MPL Modeling System is a state-of-the-art optimization modeling software. Through the use of advanced graphical user interface features, MPL creates a flexible working environment that enables the model developer to be more efficient and productive. MPL provides in a single system all the essential components needed to formulate the model, gather and maintain the dats, optimize the model, and then analyze the results.
The model developer uses the built-in model editor to formulate the model in MPL and then select the optimizer directly from the menus to solve the model. The solution results are automatically retrieved from the solver and the displayed, providing the usesr with instant feedback. Each item defined in the model is also displayed in a tree window allowing the model developer to browse through them easily.
The MPL Modeling System connects to solvers dynamically through memory at run-time. This gives MPL the capablity to integrate the solver completely into the modeling environment, resulting in the matrix being transferred between the modeling system and the solver directtly through memory. As no files are involved, this seamless connection is both considerably faster and more robust than the traditional use of files in other modeling systems. In the event that it is necessary to change any algorithmic options, MPL provides easy-to-use option dialog boxes for each solver.
This chapter describes the process of running MPL in detail. It contains these sections: