Optimization-Based Application Development

To build an optimization-based application:

1. Design the analytic type definition.

   Define the structure of the optimization application records and the specifications for the optimization transactions that you need for your application. Use PeopleSoft Application Designer to:

   1. Create record definitions for the optimization application records and build them to create the database tables.

   2. Create an analytic type definition, including the record definitions that you created and the specifications for the optimization transactions.

   3. If needed, insert one or more optimization models into the analytic type definition.

      Optimization models are developed specifically for, and delivered with, your PeopleSoft application. Each optimization model is a mathematical representation of the business problem for the optimization engine to solve.

2. Populate the application records with appropriate source data.

   Using standard tools (such as PeopleCode, PeopleSoft Application Engine, and PeopleSoft Integration Broker), provide a mechanism to populate the optimization application records with source data. You can also use PeopleSoft application records directly instead of creating special optimization application records. By accessing the tables directly, you use fewer computer resources. However, accessing the application tables directly increases the dependency between the application design and the OPI design.

   Note: Though you can populate the source data using PeopleSoft Integration Broker, you cannot actually access the analytic server or use analytic or optimization PeopleCode in a messaging PeopleCode program.

3. Build the application pages.

   Using PeopleSoft Application Designer, build pages using the optimization application records to enable users to edit or view the source and result data and to interact with the optimization application. These pages use the PeopleCode OptEngine or AnalyticInstance class, provided by the optimization dispatcher, to send optimization transactions to the optimization engine. Building pages for optimization applications uses the same process as building pages for any PeopleSoft application.

4. Retrieve the result data.

   Using standard PeopleTools, provide a mechanism to retrieve the result data in the optimization application records and copy it to the PeopleSoft application tables.