OptQuest

OptQuest is an optimization software developed by OptTek Systems, Inc., used to tackle complex optimization problems through Simulation-based optimization (SBO). It primarily integrates with commercial simulation software to improve decision-making and optimization in scenarios characterized by stochastic behavior and complexity.

OptQuest

Developer(s)	OptTek Systems, Inc.
Initial release	1998; 27 years ago (1998)
Type	Optimization software
Website	www.opttek.com/products/optquest

Underlying algorithms

Like other optimization packages and SBO products, OptQuest utilizes metaheuristic algorithms.^[1][2] Among them, OptQuest uses:

• Tabu search^[1]
• Scatter search ^[1]

OptQuest, like practically all software packages for simulation-based optimization, utilizes iterative heuristics and approaches the simulation model as a black box, meaning it only interacts with the model through its input and output data.^[2][3]

Software integration

OptQuest was initially released in 1998 as a spinout of the University of Colorado Boulder to be used with Crystal Ball simulation software (Decisioneering Inc.).^[4] OptQuest is frequently used as a plugin with various commercial simulation software to provide optimization capabilities (simulation-based optimization). These include:

• AnyLogic^[1] since 2002 ^[5]
• Arena^[1][3][6]
• FlexSim^[3][1]
• SIMUL8^[1]

Alternatives

Simulation software ProModel integrates with optimization package SimRunner, which is based on genetic algorithms.^[7] Witness optimizer uses tabu search and simulated annealing algorithms.^[8]

See also

• Simulation-based optimization