What is Optimization:
Optimization refers to the action and effect of optimizing. In general terms, it refers to the ability to do or solve something in the most efficient way possible and, in the best of cases, using the least amount of resources.
In recent decades, the term optimization has been linked to the world of computing. However, it is a concept that is also used in mathematics, process management and economics.
Optimization in Mathematics
Mathematical optimization is the choice of the best element, within a larger group of available elements. These problems, which involve the use of formulas to calculate optimal values, are called optimization problems, and are part of applied mathematics.
Mathematical optimization has several subfields, among which are:
Combinatorial optimization, responsible for studying problems in which the set of solutions can be reduced to one, or can be discrete (divisible a finite number of times) Infinite dimensional optimization: studies problems whose solutions are found in a subset of space of infinite dimension (such as functions). Heuristics and Metaheuristics: they are responsible for making assumptions about an optimization problem.
Other subfields are linear, nonlinear, conic, second-order cone, geometric, integer, semidefinite, quadratic, fractional, dynamic programming, among others.
Computer Optimization
Optimization is the process that seeks to improve the performance of a system’s software, hardware or networks so that it works efficiently.
Hardware optimization involves all the external elements of a terminal, including peripherals. These can be modified or changed to improve the performance of the equipment, but they can also have an aesthetic objective.
For its part, software optimization seeks to adapt a program so that it works better. In this sense, optimization efficiency has to do with improvements in speed, amount of memory used, execution time, bandwidth usage and energy consumption.
While network optimization is about processes to improve data transfer, so that it can be carried out in the shortest possible time and using the least amount of available resources.
Administration Optimization
The implementation of methodologies that help companies improve their performance and productivity is known in the administrative area as process optimization or improvement.
In this case, not only the operational or financial part is considered, but also the human resource. It is about achieving greater efficiency, but considering the company as a whole.
Process improvement includes the implementation of new work methods, investment in products or services that help automate tasks, project planning, performance measurement, among other tasks.
Optimization in Economics
In the economic area, optimization has to do with the execution of processes or strategies that help improve the sustainability and performance of a company.
Generally, these measures imply a reduction in costs, which involves the elimination of superfluous expenses, modification of work methods to guarantee optimization of resources, energy saving measures, materials, services, etc.