An Optimization-Based Decision Support System for Strategic Planning in a Process Industry: The Case of a Pharmaceutical Company in India

We describe how a generic multi-period optimization-based decision support system (DSS) can be used for strategic planning in process industries. Built on five fundamental elements – materials, facilities, activities, time periods and storage areas – this DSS requires little direct knowledge of optimization techniques to be used effectively. It is user friendly and requires little knowledge of optimization. Results based on real data from a pharmaceuticals company in India demonstrate significant potential for improvements in revenues and profits.