Evolver

Innovative Genetic Algorithm Optimisation

Evolver is the genetic algorithm optimisation add-in for Microsoft Excel. Evolver uses innovative genetic algorithm (GA) technology to quickly solve optimisation problems in finance, distribution, scheduling, resource allocation, manufacturing, budgeting, engineering, and more. Virtually any type of problem that can be modeled in Excel can be solved by Evolver, including previously unsolvable, complex nonlinear problems. Evolver's genetic algorithms arrive at the best overall "global" solution to a problem-solutions traditional solvers typically miss.

All-new Evolver

Evolver has been re-engineered from the ground up in a stunning new version. A streamlined interface, full support for cell ranges, enhanced monitoring of optimisation progress, a faster engine and more make Evolver "a truly innovative program" according to BYTE magasine.

Evolver Industries and Applications

Evolver is used to solve optimisation problems in a wide range of industries, from finance to airlines to manufacturing.

  • Airlines and hotels - E.g. Yield management with uncertain demand
  • Manufacturing - E.g. Job shop, production, manpower scheduling; Inventory management; Capacity planning; Product mix decisions
  • Finance - E.g. Portfolio maximisation; Hedging strategies; Portfolio balancing; Retirement planning
  • General - E.g. Market entry timing; Bidding decisions
  • Retail - E.g. Optimisation of ordering policies

Excel Ease of Use

Evolver is a true add-in to Microsoft Excel, integrating completely with your spreadsheet. Define your models, adjust your settings, run optimisations, monitor progress, and generate reports - while never leaving Excel. Streamlined dialog boxes mean fewer open windows to navigate.

Why Evolver?

Standard optimisation programs such as Excel's Solver are good at finding the best "local" solution, or combination of values to maximise or minimise the outcome of a straightforward spreadsheet model given certain constraints. They find a solution which seems to be producing favorable results and continue to work on that basis, without trying new solutions. This is known as "hill climbing". However, these programs are not set up to handle more complicated, nonlinear problems where the best local solution may not be the best absolute answer. Evolver, using innovative "mutations" and combinations of solutions, or "organisms", is well-suited to finding the best overall answer by exploring the entire universe of possible answers.

Optimisation 1-2-3

Using Evolver involves three simple steps:

1. Set Up Your Model - The Evolver Model window provides one-stop setup for all optimisation problems. Here you specify the target cell, identify cells to adjust, and define constraints. Adjustable cells and constraints support cell ranges for easy setup and changes, while target cells can be maximised, minimised, or approach a specific goal. Evolver also allows a great degree of control over how it performs the optimisation itself. You can set optimisation parameters, runtime settings, control macros and more in the Evolver Settings dialog.

2. Run the Optimisation - Click the Start icon to start the optimisation. Evolver will start generating trial solutions in an effort to achieve the target set in Step 1. The summary Evolver Progress window appears, showing optimisation status and best answer achieved thus far. This window lets you pause, stop, and run the optimisation using playback controls. You can also monitor progress in detail with the Evolver Watcher. Tabbed reports show real-time updates on best answers achieved, all solutions tried, the diversity of solutions being tried, and more.

3. View Optimisation Results - After optimisation, Evolver can display the results of the original, best, and last solution on your entire model, updating it with each scenario in a single click. This makes it easy to decide the best course of action. You can also generate reports directly in Excel for an optimisation summary, log of all simulations, and log of progress steps.

Two Editions to Meet Your Needs

Evolver is available in Professional and Industrial editions. The Professional edition allows up to 250 adjustable variables per model, while the Industrial edition allows unlimited variables. Use Evolver Industrial for your largest models where you can control hundreds or thousands of adjustable cells.

Part of the DecisionTools Suite

Evolver is available by itself or as part of the DecisionTools Suite, Palisade's complete risk and decision analysis toolkit. The DecisionTools Suite includes @RISK for risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulation, NeuralTools for prediction using neural networks, StatTools for statistical analysis, PrecisonTree for decision trees, TopRank, for what-if analysis, and more. Evolver is fully compatible with all DecisionTools programs and can be combined with them for greater insight and analysis

100% Excel

Evolver optimisations are calculated 100% within Excel, supported by Palisade sampling and statistics proven in over twenty years of use. Palisade does not attempt to rewrite Excel in an external recalculator to gain speed. A single recalculation from an unsupported or poorly reproduced macro or function can dramatically change your results. Where will it occur, and when? Get correct results using Evolver!

Compatibility: Evolver is compatible with Excel versions 2000 through 2007.

Read more about Evolver at www.palisade.com.