https://submissions.mirasmart.com/InformsAnnual2025/Itinerary/PresentationDetail.aspx?evdid=6452

8:12 AM – 8:24 AM
Alkiviadis Vazacopoulos, Optimization Direct, Inc.; Robert Ashford, Optimization Direct, Inc..

As optimization challenges grow increasingly complex across industries, traditional solvers often fall short when faced with large-scale, multi-constraint decision models. Optimization Direct Heuristics (ODH) for FICO® Xpress represents a transformative enhancement in optimization technology—enabling organizations to overcome long-standing performance barriers without replacing existing systems. This paper introduces the breakthrough capabilities of ODH, highlighting its unique ability to complement FICO Xpress by intelligently combining advanced heuristics, structural decomposition, and parallel processing. Rigorous testing demonstrates ODH’s impact: faster solve times, significant reductions in optimality gaps, and the ability to find feasible solutions where other methods fail. With demonstrated success in domains such as telecommunications, retail supply chains, energy generation, and healthcare scheduling, ODH is not just a technical innovation—it is a strategic enabler of real-time, high-quality decision-making. This work outlines the technical architecture, implementation strategies, and quantifiable ROI of ODH, establishing it as a pivotal advancement for organizations striving to transform operational complexity into competitive advantage.