AIMMS - How to model in AIMMS

Introductory videos on how to model in AIMMS

AIMMS offers a convenient development environment to define your mathematical optimization models, without the need to learn a programming language. The models can be defined in an organized, tree-like structure, with meaningful names for all model elements (so-called Identifiers types), that facilitates communication and model maintenance.

Typical elements that are used are:

Fixed data are defined as Parameters in AIMMS
Decision variables and the objective function are all defined as Variables in AIMMS
Constraints are defined as bounds on the variables, or as separate Constraints in AIMMS
Parameters, Variables and Constraints can all be multi-dimensional, with each index running over a Set

10 Steps

Learn how to build up your model by this set of 'How to' Videos.

Overview of a Model in AIMMS

We present what an AIMMS model of the Transportation Model example looks like. We demonstrate how to define the elements of the model in the Model Explorer of AIMMS. (4:09)
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Entering Sets in AIMMS

We present how to enter sets in AIMMS using the Transportation Model example. We demonstrate how to declare a set and explain the set attribute window and the role of indices of sets in AIMMS. (2:03)
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Entering Parameters and Variables in AIMMS

We present how to enter parameters and variables in AIMMS using the Transportation Model example. We demonstrate how to declare the parameters and variables, and how to use the index domain and range attributes. (2:17)
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Entering Objective and Constraints in AIMMS

We present how to enter the objective function and constraints in AIMMS using the Transportation Model example. We demonstrate how to declare the objective (as a variable with definition) and how to define the constraints using the specific constraint attributes index domain and definition. (2:08)
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Entering Ranges for Variables in AIMMS

We present how to enter ranges for variables in AIMMS using the Transport Model example. This is important as a range of a variable automatically implies the definition of non-negativity constraints and integer or binary restrictions for Mixed Integer Programs (MIP) without the need to declare the explicit constraints. (1:56)
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Entering Data in AIMMS

We present how to enter data for Sets and Parameters in AIMMS using the Transport Model example. We demonstrate (only) two data entry methods: the use of the Data Page and the use of Set and Parameter Definitions. (5:16)
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Saving and Loading Data Cases in AIMMS

We present how to save and load data cases in AIMMS using the Transport Model example. We also review assigning default data cases, a startup case, for a model. (2:29)
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Adding Mathematical Programs in AIMMS

We present how to enter mathematical programs in AIMMS using the Transport Model example. We demonstrate how to declare a Mathematical Program that references and uses the variables and constraints of an AIMMS project by completing its attributes window; also the objective, the direction (minimization or maximization) are defined. (2:19)
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Solving a Model in AIMMS

We present how to solve a modelin AIMMS using the Transport Model example. This requires declaring a procedure that includes the SOLVE command along with appropriate syntax. We demonstrate how to get the solution status, solvers options, and other solution and model statistics; details of the optimal solution is shown by opening Data Pages. (2:21)
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Using the Math Program Inspector in AIMMS

We present the Math Program Inspector (MPI), a special and unique Diagnostics Tool in AIMMS using the Transport Model example. The MPI provides model statistics and solution details (variable/constraint values, basis status etc) and sensitivity information (marginal values, primal and dual contributions etc); it can also be used for diagnosing infeasibilities and unboundedness. (3:58)
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How to model in AIMMS - Videos