Optimization Framework with Spring Boot Java and MiniZinc

Optimization is the process that we enter into a relationship with every day. We are constantly facing and trying to solve optimization problems; whether we are planning a trip abroad or buying a car. In the case of companies, optimization problems are more complex and more time-consuming, e.g. find the optimized location for a radio-based station receiver considering there are several data centers with different latency and capacity. The main goal of this thesis is to study the optimization process and produce practical results through the development of an optimization engine for the company Nokia. The idea of an optimization framework is to fully automate a complex calculation in the case of a constraint optimization problem. The application was defined by a team of Nokia SW architects and required getting a result within 400 hours by using Scrum methodology. The work started with learning the terminology and an investigation of the tools to be used. The theoretical framework was composed by focusing on studying the optimization process overall, making highlighting the constraint optimization type. The theory part covers also MiniZinc optimization language and its work as a tool at the application and client interface. During the work on the optimization engine, the use case was specified, the API definition was defined, the asynchronous running process was implemented, and the database connection was established. The project took place in fall 2019. Despite the obstacles encountered, the project was completed according to the schedule. Scrum methodology was used to achieve the goal. This helped to keep the work in order. Among other methods employed, there were also lectures and brainstorming led by the team of Nokia architects