OptDef User Training

Teaching you to use OptDef like a Pro!

OptTek offers training at our Boulder, CO office, onsite at your facility, and virtually – equipping defense modeling and simulation analysts with the skills to get the most from their simulation models using the OptDef simulation optimization and analysis tool. Training is offered focusing on different custom integrations such as AFSIM, JMPT, and STORM and is also offered for the basic integration layer which enables analysts to connect with custom models built in Python, R, Java, Matlab, Excel, and other languages and frameworks. Standard OptDef training is offered as a 3-day course. Throughout the class lectures, examples, and hands-on exercises are interspersed to ensure students leave with the confidence to apply what they have learned to their own simulation models and analysis after the class. Students will be provided with the OptDef software and training materials in advance. Bringing a laptop with OptDef and the simulation model they will be using for the course installed is recommended for students to fully participate in all training activities and gain the most benefit from the course. The standard 3-day training course has the following agenda:

Day 1:

  • Simulation Optimization Basics: how optimizing simulation models differs from mathematical programming and basic concepts of metaheuristic search techniques
  • Model Preparation: how to create the hooks in your model to allow wrapping and automated run management with OptDef
  • Study Setup: managing inputs to vary, outputs to collect, statistics, constraints, and objectives, suggested runs, and design of experiments
  • Run Management: basic replication management, stopping options, basic run options, and monitoring progress and completed runs

Day 2:

  • Post-run Analysis: variable sensitivities, data filtering, scatter plots, heatmaps, parallel coordinates plots, and clustering
  • Adaptive Sampling Mode: response surface estimation, boundary finding, and progressive densification sampling
  • Metamodels / Surrogate models: Embedding surrogate models built from collected simulation data to provide rapid look up and estimation for reports or other applications
  • Advanced Topics: integration with high performance computing resources and headless or scripted OptDef run execution

Day 3:

  • Advanced Topics (continued): Compound and dependent inputs, dynamic replication management, advanced run options, continuing runs and updating previous results, saving inputs and outputs, autosave, logging, troubleshooting, integration layer details
  • Student Project: students will complete the course working on an OptDef project similar to their current or future work with guidance from OptTek experts to ensure full understanding and confidence in using OptDef effectively

Boulder, CO Training – OptTek Office

The next Boulder, CO training class will be held at OptTek’s Boulder, CO offices on April 14-16 and will focus on using OptDef with AFSIM.  Sign up for this class today via Eventbrite here:

Register Here

Onsite Training

OptTek personnel can provide OptDef training in person at your location. The standard 3-day course can be provided, or a custom course can be prepared based on your needs.  For onsite training reach out with the contact form at the bottom of the page to discuss availability and pricing. Pricing varies based on location, length, number of participants, and number of instructors.

Virtual Training Options

OptTek personnel can provide OptDef training virtually. The standard 3-day course can be provided, or a custom course can be prepared based on your needs.  Abbreviated courses providing a basic overview and getting started instructions can be provided in as little as 4 hours. For virtual training availability and pricing reach out with the contact form at the bottom of the page. Pricing varies based on length, number of participants, and number of instructors.

What can OptTek do for you?

Solving the world's most complex challenges through optimization and analytics for over 30 years.