Numerical Optimization Criteria

Numerical Optimization will optimize any combination of one or more goals. The goals may apply to either factors or responses. The possible goals are: maximize, minimize, target, within range, none (for responses only) and set to an exact value (factors only). A minimum and a maximum level must be provided for each parameter included in the optimization.

If a response is transformed, the optimization will use either the original or transformed scale, as chosen by the current setting of the Display Options menu.

A weight can be assigned to a goal to adjust the shape of its particular desirability function. The default value of one creates a linear ramp function between the low value and the goal or the high value and the goal. Increased weight (up to 10) moves the result towards the goal. Reduced weight (down to 0.1) creates the opposite effect.

The “importance” of a goal can be changed in relation to the other goals. The default is for all goals to be equally important at a setting of 3 pluses (+++). If you want one goal to be most important, you could change it to 5 pluses (+++++).