A microcomputer-based optimization system with an integrated knowledge base is described The objective of the system is to consolidate the analytic and simulation techniques relevant to the problem domain, and employ a knowledge-based framework to interface with the user to capture the problem knowledge, choose the appropriate technique(s), execute the technique, validate the approach, and finally prescribe a solution The functional design of the system is illustrated using the continuous review inventory system as the problem domain. The system is designed to increase the transparency of the solution process (to the user), namely understanding the basic issues of the problems and tailoring a solution technique based on the characteristics of the problem and the capabilities of the model base. Additionally, the problem-solving approach embodied in the design provides pointers to the concurrent engineering of business systems such as inventory management systems
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