Prototyping consists of building an experimental system rapidly and inexpensively to be tested and evaluated. An optimization technology prototype embodies a simplified model, which identifies and validates a "proof of concept" for improving an organization. The prototype provides a first stage solution, and points toward more advanced measures that can yield continuing benefits over a longer horizon. By means of such studies, the Center offers recommendations for how the organization can best achieve these continuing results.

Advantages of the Center Prototyping

A prototype study, done properly, embodies the best scientific tradition of empirical investigation. Prototyping by the Center is carefully designed to meet these standards. However, in many business and industry settings, prototype studies are often conducted by consulting firms with a special interest in persuading a client that a particular approach or software is best. An appraisal based on the best models and as state-of-the-art methods may never be made under these circumstances.

Suboptimal results comes not only from the special interests of the consulting firms, but also from the fact that such firms often will not know about the latest innovations that are relevant to their clients’ needs. (The lead-time before an innovation becomes part of the tool kit of a typical consulting firm can sometimes be several years.)

Cost and Quality Implications

Prototype studies in industry are often exceedingly expensive, running into many tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Consequently, a client firm may well decide to postpone or entirely forego such a study, even though its findings could potentially be highly valuable.

By contrast, prototype studies carried out by the Center involve minimal costs, to provide support for graduate students engaged in the projects, under the guidance of the Center's principal research and consulting staff. The Center staff consists of leading researchers who have intimate knowledge of — and access to — latest innovations in optimization. Reinforcing this, Center researchers include members who are noted for sharing a major role in developing such innovations. In addition, the center includes affiliate members who are world class researchers in optimization from institutions both in the U.S. and abroad. These members likewise take part in the designing or reviewing Center projects and prototype studies.