Evolver Key Features

General

Genetic algorithm optimization	Find the best global solution to complex, real-life problems				●	●
OptQuest solving engine	The OptQuest engine integrates Tabu Search, Neural Networks, Scatter Search, and Linear/Integer Programming into a single composite method. It provides great results – and quickly – on many types of models.					●
100% Excel calculations	Highest level of computation accuracy				●	●

Interface

Seamless integration into Microsoft Excel	Never leave your spreadsheet; get up to speed quickly				●	●
Streamlined interface	Fewer nested dialogs and fast model setup				●	●

Model Definition

Ranges for adjustable cells and constraints	Streamlined model setup and editing - optimization parameters can be specified for a single Excel cell, but also for entire ranges of cells				●	●
Six solving methods	In some optimization problems we want to find the best numeric values of parameters. In other problems we want to find the best ordering of items, or the best way of assigning tasks to slots in a schedule. Evolver works with different types of optimization problems				●	●
Discrete adjustable cells	Specify increments (such as batches of 10) within adjustable cells ranges, improving accuracy for many types of models. Also speeds up optimization.				●	●

Optimization

Progress window	At-a-glance status and handy playback controls				●	●
Evolver Watcher	Monitor progress toward best solutions				●	●
Automatic selection of solving engine	Saves time and improves accuracy by automatically using the most appropriate engine for your model				●	●
Intelligent constraint handling	With OptQuest models, RISKOptimizer will not attempt solutions that fail constraints, make optimizations faster. Non-linear constraints are also faster				●	●
Genetic operators	Genetic operators are methods of performing actions that are part of any genetic optimization. For example, there are different methods of "mutating" solutions, that is introducing slight variation into the possible solutions in memory. There are also different "selection" methods, that is different ways of selection possible solutions from memory that will be used to create new possible solutions. Evolver offers a number of genetic operators. By default it'll select the best combination of operators automatically. The user also has the option of selecting operators manually				●	●

Reporting

Original, Best, Last model updating	Instantly see the effects of three solutions on your entire model				●	●
Reports in Excel	Save and share optimization and simulation data				●	●

More

Application Settings dialog	Define a wide range of default settings for all models				●	●
Excel Developer Kit (XDK) and .NET	Automate and customize Evolver through a complete library of commands and functions for VBA				●	●
Linear programming	If an optimization problem is linear (that is both the optimized function and the constraints are linear), Evolver will now solve it using a linear programming algorithm. This makes the optimization very fast, and also ensures that the solution found is the best possible solution.					●