Optimization can be used in several ways in Vensim.  Model calibration allows you  to take external “real world” data and then optimize model parameters (constants) so that the model best fits the external data.  Policy optimization allows you to maximize (or minimize) one or many policy parameters.  For example, you might optimize multiple parameters such as worker numbers, capital spending, etc., to maximize profit while minimizing production time, and all constrained by certain limits.  Optimization is performed using a modified Powell hill climbing algorithm.  Read more about optimization.

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