cost

Cost is the objective defined for an optimization.

The objective of an optimization is defined by the set of costs applicable to posted properties:

• The cost specified for a posted property is a multiplier of the related property value.
• A negative cost if specified, indicates to maximize the values of that particular property. For example, profit.
• A positive cost if specified, indicates to minimize the values of that particular property. For example, overtime.

The resulting cost value of a property in the solution is the solved value of the property multiplied by the cost specified for the property in the optimization. This cost may be a real dollar value, or more abstract, such as in the form of a penalty, based on the model and data.

The solution for an optimization provides a single cost for the aggregation of all resulting cost values across the solution.