OptDef wraps your simulation model and provides an intuitive user interface for simulation optimization and analysis, design of experiments, sampling, and batch runs. OptDef is a cross-platform, Java application with a plug-in interface that has been integrated with many DoD simulation tools.

OptDef improves the affordability, effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of your simulation models. Simulation models alone can address only “What if…?” questions. OptDef works with existing, unmodified, constructive simulation models to resolve “What’s best…?” questions, such as the best blue laydown to counter a potential red attack, or conversely, red’s most effective strategy against a given blue laydown.

OptDef allows an analyst to choose multiple simulation inputs to vary and then apply one or more constraints and objectives. OptDef integrates with both deterministic and Monte Carlo models to optimize your decisions. OptDef uses metaheuristic search methods (OptQuest) to drive iterative simulation runs with different simulation input combinations. After the completion of the search, the tool automatically applies different statistical and data mining techniques to perform automated variable and tradespace analysis, providing insight into the influence of the variables on the objectives and to identify good and bad regions of the trade space. OptDef frees the analyst from the labor intensive and inefficient process of repeatedly configuring and running scenarios through the simulation model, empowering them to think strategically about the critical simulation inputs, constraints to place on the scenario, and the objective or objectives to maximize.