Netform modeling and applications

Many real-world applications have profited from netform innovations in both modeling and solution stategies. Practical experience shows that advances in netform modeling and solution strategies overcome many of the difficulties in conceptual design and problem solving of previous approaches to system optimization. Moreover, they provide the type of technologies required of truly useful decision-planning tools, technologies that facilitate modeling, solution, and implementation. The ultimate test and worth of computer-based planning models, however, depends on their use by practitioners. In this tutorial, the authors show how certain algebraic models can be viewed graphically using netform modeling and describe several large practical problems we have solved. Some of their insights can make it easier for practitioners to take advantage of these technologies.