Why simheuristics? Benefits

Identifier:  RP:4905

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/RP4905

Authors:  Kelton, W. David; Cordón, Oscar; Bayliss, Christopher; Juan, Angel A.; Chica, Manuel

Abstract:
Many decision-making processes in our society involve NP-hard optimization problems. The largescale, dynamism, and uncertainty of these problems constrain the potential use of stand-alone optimization methods. The same applies for isolated simulation models, which do not have the potential to find optimal solutions in a combinatorial environment. This paper discusses the utilization of modelling and solving approaches based on the integration of simulation with metaheuristics. These ‘simheuristic’ algorithms, which constitute a natural extension of both metaheuristics and simulation techniques, should be used as a ‘first-resort’ method when addressing large-scale and NP-hard optimization problems under uncertainty –which is a frequent case in real-life applications. We outline the benefits and limitations of simheuristic algorithms, provide numerical experiments that validate our arguments, review some recent publications, and outline the best practices to consider during their design and implementation stages.