Implementing Large-Scale Optimization Models in Excel Using VBA

Larry J. LeBlanc () and Michael R. Galbreth ()
Additional contact information
Larry J. LeBlanc: Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Michael R. Galbreth: Department of Management Science, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208

Interfaces, 2007, vol. 37, issue 4, 370-382

Abstract: We discuss the importance of spreadsheets for optimization modeling, including a description of their limitations for large-scale problems. We then describe efficient ways to overcome these limits. Our approach makes use of Excel’s standard functionality but augments Excel with its programming language, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), where necessary. We show how using VBA within Excel to generate and solve large linear programs (LPs) overcomes many of the problems inherent in purely spreadsheet-based models and greatly increases model usability. The techniques described were instrumental in our successful development of a large-scale procurement/distribution LP that resulted in savings of approximately $1,000,000 in the first year, with even greater annual savings expected in the future.

Keywords: computers/computer science; system design; operations; planning; corporate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Downloads: (external link)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/inte.1060.0256 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:orinte:v:37:y:2007:i:4:p:370-382

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Interfaces from INFORMS Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Chris Asher ().