Adam DeJans just posted: “Most people don’t realize how much of the world runs on a math method called Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP). It is how airlines schedule flights, supply chains allocate products, and manufacturers decide what to make.” https://lnkd.in/e_WAHxYc

He is right. Still, despite their proven effectiveness in real-world decision-making systems, optimization solvers—such as Constraint Programming (CP), Linear Programming (LP), and Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP)—remain underutilized by many decision intelligence practitioners. One contributing factor is the perception that these tools require experts like Adam DeJans to apply optimization effectively.

However, the landscape is changing. Modern Decision Intelligence Platforms increasingly support the integrated use of Business Rules, Machine Learning, and Optimization, making these technologies more accessible. This integration empowers subject matter experts—who may not be developers—to use these components as building blocks in their decision models. Complex decisioning problems could be defined (and maintained!) using business rules and solved using the standard optimization methods provided by off-the-shelf solvers.

Incorporating optimization into decision modeling enables practitioners to focus on defining WHAT needs to be achieved, while leaving it to the solver to determine HOW to achieve it. It becomes a solid foundation for real Declarative decision modeling. Contrary to traditional rules-based decision modeling, it allows the decision model to produce multiple and even optimal decisions.

As uncertainty becomes a central challenge in decision-making, the need to incorporate CP/LP/MIP solvers into decision modeling infrastructures will grow. Adam’s system, which determines monthly vehicle production across North American plants, is a strong example of optimization in action. I may refer to another practical case where we successfully combined Machine Learning, Business Rules, and Multi-Objective Optimization to navigate complex pricing decisions. See the presentation slides or watch the video.