We will attend the PyCon and PyData 2026 in Darmstadt, Germany. Do not miss out on our presentation on optimization with Python and pay us a visit at the GAMS booth.
Presented by Justine Broihan und Muhammet Soytürk.
As Python developers, we frequently tackle complex decision-making problems by writing custom scripts and heuristic algorithms. While a standard greedy algorithm might provide a quick, intuitive fix, it rarely finds the best possible solution—often leaving significant efficiency, performance, and cost-savings on the table.
In this talk, we will explore the untapped power of mathematical optimization. We will start with a classic operations challenge: the Paintshop Problem. You will see firsthand how a standard rule-based Python heuristic compares to a mathematical optimization model, and how rigorously defining constraints and objectives can guarantee a globally optimal solution.
But optimization isn’t just for traditional logistics! We will also bridge the gap to Machine Learning. We will demonstrate how optimization techniques can be utilized as a powerful verification step for ML models, such as calculating the minimum pixel changes required to trick a neural network into a misclassification.
While we can only scratch the surface of these vast topics, you will walk away with a fresh perspective on problem-solving. Whether you are automating business operations or building robust ML pipelines, you will learn when to graduate from basic heuristics and start leveraging the “art of the optimal”.
