Science & AI

We use a powerful combination of machine learning and intelligent optimization to use data to its full potential, while guaranteeing performance and respecting strict business constraints. We are constantly investigating new ways to use these techniques as reflected on our development roadmap. All data, produced by our solutions, is stored in our Data & Analytics Monitor to apply continuous improvement.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as the intelligence demonstrated by machines in contrast to the natural intelligence of humans. Ever since our foundation in 1981, ORTEC starts with fully understanding the challenge at hand and then use all relevant data together with the best suitable mathematical techniques (including AI) to optimize the business challenge.

Our toolset includes Machine Learning and other forms of AI. Our optimizers contain self-learning mechanisms to select the best performing algorithms for the case at hand (also called instance-learning). We do this without losing sight of customer needs. All of our optimizers are customized to address the customer’s situation. That is why AI is part of ORTEC’s DNA.

The Science Map provides an overview of the different techniques used in our solutions.

ORTEC is closely linked with the Franz Edelman Award. This award is recognized as the Nobel prize for optimization. It rewards outstanding examples of operations research, management science, and advanced analytics in practice. ORTEC was a finalist in 2007, together with Coca-Cola and Tilburg University. In 2012, ORTEC won the Franz Edelman Award, together with TNT Express and Tilburg University. In 2016, ORTEC won the International Algorithm Programming Contest and the Dutch Mathematics Olympiad for Business. We are continuously reviewing how we can improve in our discipline. To do so, we measure and benchmark our results in a scientific way, and work closely with academia.