PROC OPTNET, new in SAS/OR 12.1, provides several algorithms for investigating the characteristics of networks and solving network-oriented optimization problems. A network, sometimes referred to as a graph, consists of a set of nodes that are connected by a set of arcs, edges, or links. There are many applications of network structures in real-world problems, including supply chain analysis, communications, transportation, and utilities problems. PROC OPTNET addresses the following classes of network problems:

PROC OPTNET syntax provides a dedicated statement for each problem class in the preceding list.

The formats of PROC OPTNET input data sets are designed to fit network-structured data, easing the process of specifying network-oriented problems. The underlying algorithms are highly efficient and can successfully address problems of varying levels of detail and scale. PROC OPTNET is a logical destination for users who are migrating from some of the legacy optimization procedures in SAS/OR. Former users of PROC NETFLOW can turn to PROC OPTNET to solve shortest-path and minimum-cost network flow problems, and former users of PROC ASSIGN can instead use the LINEAR_ASSIGNMENT statement in PROC OPTNET to solve assignment problems.