#Software Development Company in Zurich

[algoson]

Algoson Software is a leading provider of website development services in Zurich, Switzerland. Our extensive offerings include web development, Product Development, Android and iOS app development, hybrid app solutions, and e-commerce platforms. For top-quality services at competitive rates, reach out to us at contact@algoson.com.

[pratiksha-more]

Life After Graduation: Career Opportunities in Switzerland for Indian Students

For Indian students, Switzerland offers not only high-quality education but also promising career opportunities after graduation. Known for its strong economy, world-class industries, and focus on innovation, Switzerland is a hub for international graduates looking to build successful careers. Whether you’re planning to study in Switzerland or seeking guidance through an overseas education consultancy, understanding the career landscape post-graduation can help you make informed decisions about your future.

Switzerland’s Thriving Economy and Job Market

Switzerland boasts a robust economy with low unemployment rates, making it an attractive destination for international graduates. Key industries that offer employment opportunities for Indian students include banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, engineering, IT, and hospitality. Swiss companies are renowned for their global reach, and many multinational corporations have their headquarters or major operations based in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

Indian students graduating from Swiss universities can explore opportunities in these sectors. The Swiss labor market highly values the skills and knowledge acquired through a Swiss education, making graduates from Swiss institutions particularly desirable to employers.

Post-Graduation Work Permits for Indian Students

To stay and work in Switzerland after graduation, Indian students need to apply for a post-graduation work permit. Swiss regulations allow international students to extend their residence permit for six months after completing their degree to search for a job related to their field of study. This extension is crucial for students seeking employment within Switzerland’s competitive job market.

During this period, students can work up to 15 hours a week while they search for full-time positions. It’s important to note that landing a job in Switzerland often depends on language skills, especially if you are seeking employment in sectors where German, French, or Italian is commonly spoken. Therefore, learning one of Switzerland’s national languages can significantly enhance your employability.

Key Industries for Indian Graduates in Switzerland

1. Banking and Finance

Switzerland is famous for its financial institutions, particularly in wealth management and banking. Cities like Zurich and Geneva are home to some of the world’s leading financial firms. Indian students with degrees in finance, economics, or business administration have excellent prospects in this sector. The demand for financial analysts, auditors, and investment consultants remains high, and the international nature of Swiss financial services makes it easier for foreign graduates to secure roles.

2. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

Switzerland is a global leader in pharmaceuticals and biotech, with companies like Novartis, Roche, and Lonza headquartered in the country. Indian students with degrees in life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals can explore a variety of roles, from research and development to quality assurance and regulatory affairs. Switzerland’s commitment to innovation in healthcare and biotech ensures a steady demand for skilled graduates.

3. Engineering and IT

Switzerland’s engineering and IT sectors are continuously growing, driven by advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications. Indian graduates with degrees in engineering, software development, or computer science will find ample opportunities in Switzerland. Companies such as ABB, Swisscom, and Siemens offer competitive positions for highly skilled engineers and IT professionals.

4. Hospitality and Tourism

Switzerland’s tourism industry is another major employer of international graduates, particularly in the hospitality sector. Indian students with degrees in hospitality management can find roles in luxury hotels, resorts, and travel companies. The country's reputation for offering high-quality services makes it a fantastic destination for those interested in pursuing a career in hospitality.

How to Secure a Job in Switzerland After Graduation

Securing a job in Switzerland after graduation requires strategic planning and preparation. Here are some tips for Indian students to enhance their employability:

Build a Strong Network: Networking is key in Switzerland’s job market. Attend career fairs, university events, and industry conferences to meet potential employers. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for connecting with professionals in your field.

Language Skills Matter: Although many companies operate in English, fluency in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, or Italian) is often required for better career prospects. Indian students should consider taking language courses during their studies to improve their chances of landing a job.

Use University Career Services: Most Swiss universities have dedicated career services that assist international students with job placement. Take advantage of these services, which offer guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.

Internships and Part-Time Jobs: Securing internships or part-time jobs during your studies can give you valuable experience and help you build connections within the industry. Many Swiss companies hire their interns for full-time positions after graduation.

Long-Term Career Opportunities and Residency

Once you secure employment in Switzerland, you can apply for a work permit. Over time, working in Switzerland may open pathways to long-term residency or even citizenship. After living and working in Switzerland for several years, you may become eligible for a Swiss residence permit (C-permit), which allows for permanent residency.

Conclusion

Switzerland offers numerous career opportunities for Indian students after graduation, particularly in sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and hospitality. With the country’s thriving economy and international outlook, Indian graduates can build successful careers in Switzerland. For students planning to study in Switzerland, consulting an overseas education consultancy can provide valuable advice on how to navigate the job market and secure employment post-graduation.

By preparing early, networking effectively, and developing language skills, Indian students can maximize their career opportunities and enjoy a fulfilling professional life in Switzerland.

[b2bbusiness]

Switzerland: A Hub of Innovation in the ICT Market

Switzerland's ICT (Information and Communication Technology) market thrives as a dynamic and innovative sector within the European landscape. Estimated at a value of 21.5 billion EUR, it ranks as the country's third most significant industry [2]. This success can be attributed to a unique blend of factors, including a highly skilled workforce, a commitment to cutting-edge technology, and a business-friendly environment.

Strong Demand for Advanced Solutions

The Swiss market exhibits a robust demand for high-end hardware, the latest software, and top-tier security products [2]. Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), document management, and content management solutions are all in high demand. Data storage remains a key driver, fueled by both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large corporations. There's also significant growth potential in financial applications, Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, and e-Government initiatives.

Innovation at the Forefront

Switzerland isn't just a consumer of technology; it's a hotbed of innovation. Research and development projects actively explore Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), data privacy, data science, Big Data, and Blockchain technology [1]. This focus on cutting-edge solutions positions Switzerland as a leader in the global digital transformation movement.

A Talent Hub that Attracts the Best

Switzerland boasts a highly skilled and qualified workforce. The country excels in attracting talented professionals from around the world, further strengthening its ICT sector. This talent pool is fueled by a robust education system that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

A Business-Friendly Environment

Switzerland's business environment is recognized for its efficiency, stability, and moderate tax regime. This, combined with unrestricted access to the European market and a multilingual population, makes Switzerland an attractive destination for ICT companies [2]. The Greater Zurich Area, in particular, stands out as a hub for multinational ICT manufacturers, offering a thriving ecosystem for businesses to flourish.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Digital Transformation

The future of the Swiss ICT market is bright. With its commitment to innovation, a skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment, the sector is poised for continued growth. As digital transformation continues to sweep across industries, Switzerland is well-positioned to be a leader in adopting and implementing these advancements.

Challenges and Considerations

While the outlook is positive, there are challenges to consider. High labor costs can act as a counterbalance to the many advantages Switzerland offers. Additionally, the market growth tends to be moderate. However, the country's long-term commitment to ICT development and its ability to attract talent are strong indicators that these challenges can be overcome.

[spacenutspod]

3 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) NASA NASA’s System-Wide Safety (SWS) project identifies and addresses safety threats to improve the efficiency of flight and access to airspace. This map shows the locations of companies, academic institutions, and other government agencies that collaborate with SWS to conduct world-class research to assure the safety of current and future aviation applications that improve the quality of life for all humankind. Note: Location on the map is based on the formal signed agreement. However, SWS also collaborates with additional locations not shown on the map. System-Wide Safety Collaborations Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate Arlington, Virginia AIRT, IncMiami, Florida American AirlinesFort Worth, Texas BoeingHuntsville, AlabamaHuntington Beach, California DelphirePasadena, California Delta AirlinesAtlanta, Georgia easyJet Airline CompanyLuton, England Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach, Florida General Electric CompanyNiskayuna, New York George Washington University (GWU)Washington, D.C. German Aerospace Center (DLR)Cologne, Germany Iowa StateAmes, Iowa Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi, Texas LongbowHampton, Virginia Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)Cambridge, Massachusetts MIT/Lincoln LabsLexington, Massachusetts MitreBedford, Massachusetts National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Gaithersburg, Maryland Northrop GrummanRoy, Utah Notre DameSouth Bend, Indiana Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)Springfield, Ohio Penn StateState College, Pennsylvania SkyGridAustin, Texas Swiss International Airlines (SWISS)Zurich, Switzerland United AirlinesChicago, Illinois University Of Central Florida (UCF)Orlando, Florida University of Texas – AustinAustin, Texas Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Tennessee Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)Richmond, Virginia XwingSan Francisco, California NASA Contacts Agreements and PartnershipsMegan Rittermegan.p.ritter@nasa.gov Media InquiriesKaitlyn Foxkaitlyn.d.fox@nasa.gov About NASA’s System-Wide Safety Project SWS evaluates how the aerospace industry and aircraft modernization impact safety by using the latest technology to address potential risks associated with technical advancements and other emerging aviation operations. Using this data, the project develops innovative solutions to assure safe, rapid, and scalable access to the commercial airspace.   SWS focuses on two significant project goals: Explore, discover, and understand the impact on safety of growing complexity introduced by modernization aimed at improving the efficiency of flight, the access to airspace, and the expansion of services provided by air vehicles. Develop and demonstrate innovative solutions that enable this modernization and the aviation transformation envisioned for global airspace system through proactive mitigation of risks in accordance with target levels of safety  SWS is developing the concept and recommended requirements for an assured In-Time Aviation Safety Management System that enables safe, rapid, and scalable access to a transformed National Airspace System.  SWS also: Performs research and development focused on exploring, discovering, and understanding the impact of industry and aircraft modernization on safety. Evaluates operations in the future NAS to identify new risks and hazards that must be effectively managed. Focuses on a safety framework to assure the safety of current and future operations in the National Airspace System.   The SWS project is part of NASA’s Airspace Operations and Safety Program under the agency’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. Facebook logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Instagram logo @NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es Linkedin logo @NASA Explore More 4 min read NASA, Industry to Start Designing More Sustainable Jet Engine Core Article 3 days ago 4 min read Aviary: A New NASA Software Platform for Aircraft Modelling Article 4 days ago 4 min read NASA’s X-59 Passes Milestone Toward Safe First Flight  Article 6 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Missions Humans In Space NASA History Aeronautics STEM Share Details Last Updated May 21, 2024 EditorKaitlyn D. FoxContactKaitlyn D. Foxkaitlyn.d.fox@nasa.govJim Bankejim.banke@nasa.gov Related TermsSystem-Wide SafetyAeronautics Research Mission DirectorateAirspace Operations and Safety Program

[jcmarchi]

NVIDIA’s GTC in Four Headlines

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/nvidias-gtc-in-four-headlines/

NVIDIA’s GTC in Four Headlines

Impressive AI hardware innovations and interesting software moves.

Created Using DALL-E

Next Week in The Sequence:

Edge 381: We start a new series about autonomous agents! We introdice the main concepts in agents and review the AGENTS framework from ETH Zurich. Additionally, we provide an overview of BabyAGI.

Edge 382: We review PromptBreeder, Google Deemind’s self-improving prompt technique.

You can subscribe below:

heSequence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

📝 Editorial: NVIDIA’s GTC in Four Headlines

I tried to resist making this weekend’s editorial about NVIDIA because I think you might have been inundated with headlines from the GTC conference. Unable to resist, I instead decided to present the four most impactful announcements in terms of ambition and market impact. If I have to summarize two key takeaways from NVIDIA’s AI announcements this week, they would be these:

NVIDIA is not only outgrowing but also out-innovating everyone else in AI compute hardware by a large margin.

NVIDIA’s software ambitions should be taken seriously.

To put that in context, here are four key announcements from this week’s GTC:

Blackwell GPU Series: NVIDIA unveiled the Blackwell B200 GPU, optimized for trillion-parameter models. The chip can improve LLM inference by up to 30x, which is quite remarkable.

NIM Microservices: My favorite announcement of GTC was the NIM platform, which delivers models optimized for inference and packaged as containers. NIM speeds up inference by using the Triton Inference Server, TensorRT, and TensorRT-LLM.

Project GR00T: I think the coolest and most ambitious announcement was Project GR00T, which focuses on developing foundation models for humanoid robots. The stack is based on multimodal models for video, audio, and language.

Distribution: An overlooked announcement during GTC was the impressive list of strategic alliances with top software companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Dell, Oracle, and many others. NVIDIA is simply everywhere.

There were many additional announcements at GTC, but the aforementioned four are incredibly impactful. NVIDIA’s AI hardware dominance is unquestionable, but it’s quickly making inroads in the software space.

🔎 ML Research

Chronos

Amazon Science published a paper introducing Chronos, a family of pretrained foundation models for time series forecasting. Chronos models time-series data using the same techniques used by LLMs —> Read more.

Moirai

Salesforce Research also got into time series forecasting with foundation models with the publication of a paper detailing Moirai. The new model follows the paradigm of a universal forecasting model that can issues predictions across many domains and time scales —> Read more.

TacticAI

Google DeepMind published a paper detailing TacticAI, a model that can provide technical insights in football( soccer) plays, particularly corner kicks. The model uses geometric deep learning by generating possible reflections of a game situation including the player’s relationships —> Read more.

RAFT

Researcers from UC Berkely published a paper introducing retrieval-augmented fine-tuning(RAFT), a training technique that improves the ability of models to answer questions based on external data. Given a question, RAFT ignores the documents that are not relevant to formulagte the answer leading to more accurate outputs —> Read more.

Evolutionary Optimization and FM Model Merging

Researchers from Sakana AI published a paper that uses evolutionary optimization to merge foundation models. The technique attempts to harness the collective intelligence of different models to create more powerful foundation models —> Read more.

SceneScript

Meta AI Research published a paper detailing SceneScript, a method for reconstructing layouts of physical spaces. The technique can have profound implications in augmented reality scenarios that merge physical and virtual spaces —> Read more.

🤖 Cool AI Tech Releases

NVIDIA NIM

NVIDIA announced NIM, its cloud microservices endpoints for pretrained foundation models —> Read more.

Grok

Elon Musk’s xAI open sourced a version of its marque model Grok —> Read more.

Stable Video 3D

Stability AI released Stable Video 3D, an improved model that can generate 3D objects from text descriptions —> Read more.

🛠 Real World ML

AI Training Logging at Meta

Meta discusses Logarithm, their solution for AI training logging —> Read more.

GNNs at Pinterest

Pinterest details their use of graph neural networks(GNNs) for content understanding —> Read more.

RL at Lyft

Lyft discusses the architecture powering their internal reinforcement learning workloads —> Read more.

Cloud Monitoring at Microsoft

Microsoft discusses the AI used to monitor its Azure cloud services —> Read more.

📡AI Radar

NVIDIA unveiled plenty of AI hardware and software innovations at its GTC conference.

Reddit had a strong IPO debut fueled by AI data demands.

Apple is reportedly in conversations with Google to power IPhone AI features using Gemini.

On a surprising move, Microsoft hired Inflection co-founder Mustafa Suleyman and part of his team to lead its Copilot efforts.

After loosing several key people, Inflection announced a pivot into AI for business.

NVIDIA announced a series of AI partnerships with the world’s largest tech companies.

Databricks announced the acquisition of Lilac to improves its unstructure data preparation and analysis capabilities.

Astera Labs shares popped 70% in its IPO pushed by the demand of its AI data transfer features.

Roblox introduced new AI features for Avatar creation and texturing.

Anthropic, AWS and Accenture announced a strategic alliance to bring generative AI to enterprises.

ServiceNow released a new version of its Now platform for AI workflow automation.

Amazon and Snowflake announced a partnership to modernize data streaming pipelines.

TheSequence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

[thnahtungphamm-blog]

Your Complete Guide to Choosing a Full-Stack Software Engineer

Do you want to collaborate with a complete software developer? Before learning more about the techies who refer to themselves as full-stackers, you shouldn't do this.

Every business is gradually evolving into a software company. In line with what Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella asserts, "Every company is a software company." You must begin acting and thinking like a digital business. Therefore, having engineers on staff is essential for any business, whether it's a multi-cuisine restaurant in Zurich or a cement company in Nebraska. This is what distinguishes a software development company.

Why Is a Full-Stack Developer Needed by Businesses?

Not all layers require full-stack developers to be experts. Some may have modest back-end experience but excel in front-end development. So why are full-stack developers in such high demand, and why do businesses even bother hiring them? It turns out there are a few good reasons.

The Expertise of Full-Stack Developers

The following factors contribute to the demand for full-stack developers:

The capacity to code mobile, web, or program applications.

Assist other developers and team members (such as product managers, project managers, and C-level executives) in coordinating the development process.

Investigate technical problems at all levels.

Describe testing methods for different kinds of applications.

Examining and troubleshooting queries in databases.

For quality control, testing codes for app validation and cross-device compatibility is necessary.

Monitoring significant KPIs and acting when necessary.

Creating a blueprint for future needs and sharing it with higher management. 

As a result, full-stack developers do more than just write code. They have a broad range of responsibilities, including communication and supervision, two skills related to management. They are also excellent coders on both sides of the layers. Therefore, you are essentially hiring a top-level position that can (and should be given) ownership work and provide excellent development services when you hire a full-stack software developer for your company.

A Full-Stack Developer's Advantages

Assign All Technical Tasks,

First of all, you get a trustworthy individual who can handle all technical matters. Therefore, you can assign it to the developer and concentrate on your strengths if you have little to no experience with software. It's crucial to perform SQL tests on developers before hiring software engineers to make sure they possess the abilities and knowledge required for the position. You can be confident that the technical aspects of things will be completed in the end.

Make the group adaptable.

You want your software development team to be adaptable when assembling it so that it can change course as needed. You may integrate a chatbot on the front end and then choose to integrate blockchain smart contracts on the back end. To work on both the front end and the back end, your team needs to be equally skilled. Full-stack developers provide that knowledge to the group.

Cost-effectiveness

Usually, full-stack developers are not cheap. This is a result of their multifaceted skill set and domain expertise. It might be less expensive to complete the task if you take into account the cost of hiring front-end and back-end developers independently as opposed to hiring a single full-stack developer.

How Can Your Project Afford to Hire Full-Stack Developers?

Qualification and Skill Set

Considering that you are hiring for a technical position, the first and most important thing to consider is the programmer's skill set. Here are some points to discuss:

Front-end fundamentals

Server-side fundamentals

User Experience design

Database architecture and design

Business Logic

Project Management

Multitasking

Agile Development

Independence

Why Choose AHT Tech for Hiring Committed Full-Stack Developers?

AHT Tech is a fantastic talent marketplace. The platform exclusively collaborates with engineers working for leading development firms in Latin America and Eastern Europe. These nations offer excellent labor combined with a work ethic and culture akin to that of Western Europe and the USA, and most importantly, a reasonable overlap in work hours.

Conclusion

Hiring is never simple. Even though there are a lot of things to search for, they are not all complete. Your company's needs will define the full-stack developer you need, so start by looking inward to find the right fit for your project. Next, decide which stack to use as the foundation for your application. Finding the right candidate will be facilitated by responding to these basic questions. In less than a week, you can onboard a top developer thanks to the work done by AHT Tech.

[flectrahq]

BS2 Building System & Solutions: A Success Story With Flectra ERP

Introducing The BS2:

Emission-free building technology is our specialty and our passion. In close cooperation with the ETH Zurich and other universities, we convert the approaches of the research departments into marketable products.

Location: Andreasstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland

Early Identification of ERP Limitation:

Any organization can simply install ERP software and can reduce time-consuming processes that require extensive analysis of strategies & approaches to ensure that the organization gets the most benefits out of it. The notion of providing successful deployment and implementation includes seamless integration with existing systems, usability, easy accessibility and scalability to support the future demands.

It is also vital to consider not the capabilities at the same time and identify the limitations rectifying the problematic areas. Otherwise, this might lead to major complications such as inefficient functioning of the software in handling business operations even after spending a huge amount of time and resources.

About BS2:

Delivering a holistic energy system for heat, cold and electricity solutions based on Emission-free technology, BS2 have grown sustainably, from a pioneering company to a successful research and competence center based in the Andreasturm in Zurich, in a modern and future-oriented working environment with a focus on digitization, energy and innovation. 

Emission-free building technology is their specialty and passion. They combine specially researched and developed building technology components into a holistic energy system that is tailored to each building with individual planning. This is how they bring every property on the path to emission-free supply - with minimal power consumption.

Problems Faced By BS2:

- Lack of innovative technology options in the organization. - Shortfall of integration with third-party applications.  - Complex implementation process  - Deficit of CRM capabilities  - Improper data analytics and insights - Inconsistent technical support

Solutions Provided by Flectra:

- Simplified Exchange of Information.  - Improved integration with third party applications. - Data efficiency and simplification.  - Better Customer Relationship Management.  - Easy Accessibility to data analytics and insights.

Benefits:

- 25% better real-time information. - 40% Faster response times. - 15% Dedicated security resources increased. - Automate manual or routine tasks. - 20% Increased transparency of the business.

Working With BS2:

Flectra helped in the continuous operations of the company. In the case of an energy management company, these would be much beneficial in a deal with the customers and the vendors who supply the equipment and in addition to the subcontracting aspects of the company.

Considering all the above mentioned aspects on how Flectra software can be an efficient management tool to manage the operations of a renewable energy company it is the apt choice to do so.

[earaercircular]

Mending clothes would make sense, but: “It feels like you have to reinvent the wheel every day.”

Mending clothes requires a lot of manual work and is difficult to automate.

The criticism of “fast fashion” is getting louder. Likewise the demand to repair defective clothes and give them a second life. But that's easier said than done, as the story of a Norwegian startup shows.

As Ingvill Kerob[1] sat at home with her third child, who had just been born, she thought about her future. She thought about what else she wanted to achieve professionally. It soon became clear that she would want to continue the tradition of her family, which has been working in the textile sector for four generations. But in their own way. So not with the production of new textiles, but with repairing them. And not as an employee, but as her own boss.

Interface for customers and companies

Today Kerob says: "It's risky to have children - you have so much time to think of." Because what she imagined back then at home could not easily be implemented. The road to independence was bumpy. The first step: hang up notes on notice boards in kindergartens. She offered the parents the opportunity to organise the mending of clothes that children of kindergarten age always have a hole in somewhere.

The second step was to submit applications for government aid. The promise to the donors: to use a technological platform to help clothes last longer. Courtship was easier than expected. «I met all the criteria: woman, founder, sustainability, technology. Whatever funding I applied for, I got it," says Kerob on the sidelines of an event at the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI)[2], where she is presenting her company.

Sustainability has always played a central role in the professional life of the 44-year-old Norwegian, who once worked for the food company Mondelez in Opfikon, Zurich for four years.[3] Before starting her own business, she set up the recycling system for Nespresso capsules for Nestlé in Norway and Denmark. What she achieved with coffee capsules, she now also aimed for with clothes: a resource-saving circular economy, only it was no longer about recycling, but about repairing.

There is often talk of a “repair revolution” at the moment. Reference is made to the many repair cafés[4] that are springing up around the world. However, Kerob's startup has not yet sparked a revolution. But at least the company called Repairable, founded in 2016, is still alive. The business model: Repairable offers companies access to a digital platform that connects all players in the repair of clothes, shoes and leather goods.

Customers can book repairs on the platform, regardless of whether they pay for the repair themselves or whether the manufacturer does so due to a warranty claim. The companies get access to tailors or shoemakers who know how to get things back into shape. The platform can be integrated into the company's e-commerce system and provides data on the quality of the products and which parts - zippers, buttons, seams - cause problems. For all of this, companies buy a subscription from Repairable, which varies in price depending on the scope of services.

Second-hand clothing on trend

The company hasn't really taken off yet. “Even after seven years, Repairable still considers itself a startup,” says the economist. In fact, the number of employees is manageable. In addition to the two company founders, there are six software developers in India. There are no more employees, especially since the repair companies work independently on their own account. Currently we are only operating in Norway. According to the plan, other Nordic countries and Germany will soon follow.

No matter how difficult the business may be. Repairable hits a nerve of the times. The pursuit of sustainability has been gaining in importance in the textile industry for years. Criticism of the excesses of fast fashion is becoming louder, and interest in long-lasting clothes is increasing. This is also reflected in the market structure. While the market for textiles grew by 4 percent worldwide last year, the market for second-hand clothes grew by an impressive 28 percent.

But despite the trend towards second-hand clothing, repairing textiles is often not very lucrative. This is also because the work is hardly scalable and promises few economies of scale. Every problem is a little different and requires different approaches. Repair businesses are mostly small or individual businesses. The possibilities for cost-saving division of labour are limited. The productivity of the activity is correspondingly low.

“The materials differ, as do the damages that need to be repaired and even more so the demands of the customers,” says Kerob. “It feels like you have to reinvent the wheel every day.” The only thing that connects the many repair companies is that the work is hard and offers little reward. Unsurprisingly, the industry is struggling to find enough qualified staff for the technically demanding but poorly paid work.

Just a fig leaf for H & M?

The startup entrepreneur has adjusted her expectations over time. She had to realise that not every broken piece of clothing promises a deal. There seem to be two invisible price barriers for most customers: firstly, most people are only willing to repair if the original price of the goods was more than 100 euros. Secondly, you only send a dress for repair if the cost is less than 50 percent of the original price.

Kerob discovered these barriers, among other things, when working with H & M. The Swedish fashion group was Repairable's first major customer. However, the business relationship was short-lived. It soon became clear that repairing cheap 20-euro shirts made little business sense. The project to operate an open repair workshop in the middle of a Norwegian H & M flagship store was also cancelled.

Looking back, the question arises as to whether Repairable only served as an ecological fig leaf for the global fast fashion manufacturer.[5] Sometimes it felt like that, says Kerob. But H & M is quite serious about its commitment to sustainability. And the company also has the budget for corresponding projects. «The collaboration with H & M was not initially planned as a PR campaign. But the result may have been a PR move.”

The matter is complicated for retailers and fashion chains. When customers have clothes mended, this reduces sales of new products. Anyone who promotes repairs is cannibalizing their business. In addition, repairs are rarely profitable. «In Norway, many fashion houses now offer repairs. But most admit that they have to subsidize this offer. Many companies cannot afford this subsidy,” says Kerob.

More government aid and regulation

Does this mean the state has to intervene? Do we need more support and stricter regulation? If you look at Europe's capitals, you might think so. Sweden, for example, has reduced VAT on repairs. And in France, where unsold textiles have no longer been allowed to be destroyed since 2022, a repair bonus[6]  was introduced in November: Anyone who has clothes or shoes mended there receives a subsidy of between 6 and 25 euros.

The EU goes even further. She wants to introduce a “right to repair”[7] in the Union. First of all, it's primarily about electrical appliances such as washing machines, televisions or vacuum cleaners. While such items could previously be easily replaced if they were defective, customers will now be able to request repairs for a fee. For companies, this would mean that they would have to keep spare parts in stock for significantly longer.

The topic is also current in Switzerland. In November, the Council of States unanimously approved a revision of the Environmental Protection Act[8] with the aim of creating more favourable conditions for a circular economy. The repairability of products should also be promoted. However, Switzerland goes much less far in this goal than the EU, that takes a strong interventionist approach to the economic freedom of companies.

So a lot is happening politically. However, one problem for repairers remains that clothes have become increasingly cheaper in recent decades. Buying new textiles is therefore usually more cost-effective than mending them. And people buy in large quantities: Swiss people buy an average of 60 new items of clothing per year. However, around 40 percent of them are never worn or worn a maximum of four times. Switzerland ranks second in the world after Luxembourg in per capita spending on clothing and shoes.

The pitfalls of psychology

How many clothes are repaired and what people spend on them is hardly known. “Nobody collects data,” complains Kerob. Accordingly, the industry is in the dark. What we do know is that customers' loyalty to brands is also explained by customer service after the purchase. The industry hopes that this after-sales service will always include repairs in the future. “Repairing needs to become as natural as brushing your teeth,” says Kerob.

But ultimately it's not just about money, data or customer loyalty. Psychology is also important. “We don’t buy a tenth pair of jeans because we need them, but because we want to treat ourselves and because when we buy them, the happiness hormone dopamine is released,” says Kerob. Little can be done against such vanity. “Our appeal is not very sexy: do nothing, stick with what you have, repair it and wear it again. It doesn’t trigger a dopamine rush.”

Source

Thomas Fuster, Kleider flicken wäre sinnvoll, aber: «Es fühlt sich an, als müsse man jeden, in: Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 22-12-2033; https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/kleider-flicken-waere-sinnvoll-aber-es-fuehlt-sich-an-als-muesse-man-jeden-tag-das-rad-neu-erfinden-ld.1769371

[1] It’s fair to say that Ingvill Kerob knows a thing or two about project management, having spent the best part of a decade working various project management roles for two of the world’s largest food groups (Nestle and Mondelez). She’s also quite handy at the whole recycling game, due to the lead role she had helping Nespresso recycle its capsules in both Norway and Denmark. With all of this solid experience (and factoring in her solid academic career in economics), it probably came as a surprise to no-one when she struck out on her own in 2017 by founding Repairable. Ingvill’s ambition for the company is simple – she wants to vastly reduce the waste in the fashion sector by encouraging all of us to repair our clothes and shoes instead of throwing them away when faults appear. To this end, she has launched a great online repair and alteration service in Norway’s capital. Customers input their repair orders (shoes, dresses, zips, coats, hats, you name it) and then Repairable takes over. It sorts out the price, the transport of goods to certified repairers and follows the entire process to completion. Simple, sustainable, circular fashion has arrived. https://www.globallyspotted.com/profiles/ingvill-kerob/

[2] The Swiss retail pioneer Gottlieb Duttweiler laid the foundations for the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, GDI, in 1962. His goal was to establish an institute where free thought about the future of the world took centre stage, an institute that contributed to economic and social progress and that put people before profit. The GDI focuses its activities on the industries retail, food and health and examines them from the perspectives of consumption, society, technology and the environment. https://gdi.ch/en/about-us/gdi/what-we-do

[3] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/654312790081814528/aluminum-coffee-capsules-can-be-recycled-forever?source=share

[4] https://www.repair-cafe.ch/; read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/698433553891049472/plastics-manufacturers-want-to-get-rid-of-oil?source=share

[5] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/720260226679488512/hms-answer-about-the-dumped-clothes-article?source=share

[6] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66174349

[7] Read also https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/720378340978180096/repaired-electro-is-successful-we-are-happy-with?source=share & https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/661118774058123264/repairing-electrical-appliances-is-becoming-easier?source=share; https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/recht-auf-reparatur-die-eu-kommission-will-dass-hersteller-in-der-eu-staubsauger-mobiltelefone-fernseher-und-waschmaschinen-fuenf-bis-zehn-jahre-nach-dem-kauf-noch-flicken-ld.1731687;

[8] The revision of the Environmental Protection Act (USG) is intended to provide binding regulations for the investigation and renovation of public children's playgrounds and green spaces. 60 percent of the costs of the remediation would be covered by the contaminated sites fund of the Ordinance on the Levy for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites (VASA). https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-92243.html#:~:text=Mit%20der%20Revision%20des%20Umweltschutzgesetzes,von%20Altlasten%20(VASA)%20erfolgen.

[dynamicstaffingg]

Unveiling Opportunities: Exploring Lucrative Jobs in Europe

Unveiling Opportunities: Exploring Lucrative Jobs in Europe

As globalization continues to shape the employment landscape, the allure of securing jobs in Europe has become a focal point for professionals worldwide. With its diverse economies, rich cultural tapestry, and a myriad of industries, Europe stands as an enticing destination for career growth. In this article, we delve into the abundance of job opportunities in Europe and the key factors that make the continent an attractive hub for professionals.

Dynamic Staffing Services is a leading Overseas Recruitment Company with an extensive experience in providing manpower solutions to many well-known organizations across the Globe

The European Job Market: A Tapestry of Opportunities

Europe is home to a vast and varied job market, providing opportunities for individuals across a spectrum of industries. The continent's diverse economies, ranging from powerhouse nations to emerging markets, contribute to a dynamic job landscape that caters to professionals with diverse skills and backgrounds.

Key Sectors with Job Openings

1. Technology and Innovation:

Europe is a global leader in technology and innovation, with thriving tech hubs in cities like Berlin, London, and Stockholm. Job opportunities in software development, data science, and emerging technologies attract skilled professionals looking to contribute to cutting-edge advancements.

2. Healthcare and Life Sciences:

The healthcare sector in Europe is robust and continually evolving. Job vacancies in healthcare and life sciences span a wide range, from medical practitioners and researchers to pharmaceutical professionals, offering a plethora of opportunities for those passionate about advancing healthcare solutions.

3. Finance and Banking:

Financial centers like London, Frankfurt, and Zurich make Europe a powerhouse in the finance and banking industry. Job seekers with expertise in finance, investment banking, and fintech find ample opportunities to thrive in this competitive and dynamic sector.

4. Tourism and Hospitality:

Europe's rich history, cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes make it a magnet for tourism. Job openings in the tourism and hospitality sector cater to individuals with skills in customer service, hotel management, and event planning.

5. Engineering and Manufacturing:

Europe's strong tradition in engineering and manufacturing creates numerous job opportunities for professionals in these fields. From automotive engineering in Germany to aerospace in France, individuals with engineering expertise have a wide array of choices.

Navigating European Job Portals

For those aspiring to secure jobs in Europe, leveraging online job portals is a strategic approach. Platforms like EuroJobs, EURES (European Job Mobility Portal), and LinkedIn feature a wealth of job listings across industries and European countries. These portals provide valuable insights into the specific requirements and qualifications sought by European employers.

Language Proficiency and Cultural Adaptability

When exploring job opportunities in Europe, language proficiency is a critical factor. While English is widely used, proficiency in the local language can significantly enhance a candidate's marketability. Additionally, showcasing cultural adaptability and an understanding of European work cultures can set candidates apart in the competitive job market.

Work Visa and Legal Considerations

Securing jobs in Europe often involves navigating complex visa and legal processes. Understanding the specific requirements of the country in which you intend to work is essential. Researching visa options, work permits, and legal obligations ensures a smoother transition into the European job market.

Conclusion

Embarking on a professional journey in Europe opens doors to a world of opportunities across diverse sectors. The continent's vibrant job market, coupled with its cultural richness, makes it an attractive destination for professionals seeking growth and a global perspective. By effectively navigating job portals, showcasing language proficiency and cultural adaptability, and understanding visa requirements, individuals can unlock the doors to fulfilling and rewarding careers in Europe. As the demand for skilled talent continues to grow, Europe remains a beacon for those ready to embrace new horizons in their professional lives

[digitaltransformationworld]

SwissQ officially integrates with Xebia, a global IT services consultancy serving organizations worldwide

SwissQ announced its full integration into Xebia, a global IT services consultancy with a presence in 16 countries. Operating under the unified global brand, Xebia Switzerland can now offer customers a significantly enlarged range of services for digital transformation and access to a network of 6,000 specialists worldwide. The rebrand of SwissQ to Xebia Switzerland completes a year-and-a-half-long integration phase from the company’s initial acquisition in February of 2022. Locally, Xebia now employs over 135 specialists in Switzerland, with operational bases in Bern and Zurich.“We’re thrilled to enhance our offerings, providing our customers with a broader spectrum of services and access to Xebia’s pool of talent across Europe, the UK, Asia, the Americas, MEA, and APAC,” says Stefan Widmer, Member of the Executive Board of Xebia Switzerland and Managing Director of Zurich. “Expanding our network enables us to address even very specific challenges, matching our clients with service matter experts to drive efficient solutions.” Xebia offers an extensive array of services encompassing the entire digital landscape, spanning from data and AI solutions to cloud computing, software development, and beyond. By pushing the boundaries of traditional IT consulting, Xebia can provide accelerators, innovative solutions, and specialized training programs that empower its clients to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. “Xebia is extremely excited to bring our full consulting and IT services capability to the Swiss market.”, says Anand Sahay, CEO and Executive Director of Xebia. “We strive to be the digital ‘authority’ in all the markets we serve. We achieve this by putting a deep emphasis on quality in all we do – from talent acquisition to delivery of client outcomes. We are looking forward to serving our Swiss clients and enabling them to become digital market leaders by future-proofing processes with the use of modern technologies and providing differentiated training and upskilling.”

Source Link: https://www.cxotoday.com/press-release/swissq-officially-integrates-with-xebia-a-global-it-services-consultancy-serving-organizations-worldwide/talent acquisition Swiss market

Website Link: https://xebia.com/apac/

[algoson]

For businesses in Portugal, Lisbon, seeking excellent software development services that prioritize both quality and cost-effectiveness, Algoson Software is your ideal partner. Based in India, we serve clients worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, and France. Get in touch with us at contact@algoson.com to discover how we can enhance your digital journey.

[trendykickss]

Top 5 Start-Ups Businesses of Germany

The start-up scene in Germany is no exception to the country's reputation for creativity and business prowess. Germany is home to several exciting start-ups that are pushing the boundaries of innovation thanks to a thriving environment. When it comes to start-ups and investments Klaus Hommels is a name that is associated with. He is the founder of Lakestar, a venture capital through which he has been investing mainly in digital businesses. He has invested in Facebook, Skype, and Xing. He often used to express his views on start-ups and investments in which his expertise lies.

1. Wefox - Customers can manage their insurance online using Wefox, a digital insurance platform. The business has raised more than $400 million in capital to upend the insurance market by utilizing technology to provide better, more individualized services. One of Europe's companies with the fastest growth rates is Wefox.

2. Lakestar- Klaus Hommels founded Lakestar, a venture capital firm investing in technology companies led by exceptional entrepreneurs. Early investments included Skype, Spotify, Facebook, and Airbnb. Since raising the first fund in 2013, Lakestar has managed an aggregated volume of over EUR 1bn across three early-stage funds, and more recently a growth fund. The company has expanded and broadened its portfolio and holds investments in the likes of Opendoor, Oscar, GetYourGuide, Glovo, Sender, Eigen, Five, and Hometogo to name a few. Lakestar has a presence in Berlin, Zurich, and London. With a concentration on the US and Europe, Lakestar assists businesses in rapidly expanding into new areas. The group provides portfolio companies with business development, hiring, technology, and marketing guidance and support. Early-stage and growth-stage businesses are both included in the investments.

3. Flixbus - A long-distance bus company called Flixbus offers travelers inexpensive transportation all around Europe. The business employs technology to streamline routes, cut expenses, and offer an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Following the raising of more than $500 million in capital, Flixbus was recently valued at over $2 billion (about $6 per person in the US).

4. Personio - A human resources management system called Personio is intended for small and medium-sized organizations. The software enables businesses to automate all aspects of HR, from hiring to payroll. Recent fundraising of $125 million has elevated Personio to the status of one of Germany's most prosperous software startups.

5. Lilium Aviation- Electric air taxis are the focus of Lilium Aviation, a producer of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The business expects to start operating its first electric air taxi service in 2025 after raising more than $375 million in finance.

In conclusion, these top 5 start-up companies in Germany are at the cutting edge of innovation, leveraging technology to upend established markets and meet contemporary requirements. These start-ups are positioned for future development and success with successful investment rounds and recognition.

[kritikapatil]

Crime Insurance Market Will Hit Big Revenues In Future | Biggest Opportunity Of 2022

Latest study released by AMA Research on Global Crime Insurance Market research focuses on latest market trend, opportunities and various future aspects so you can get a variety of ways to maximize your profits. Crime Insurance Market predicted until 2027*. Crime insurance helps organizations to reduce vulnerability to direct losses stemming from theft and other kinds of fraud. This insurance policy provides commercial and governmental entities. This insurance policy provides protection from financial losses related to fraud, dishonest employees, and others. Some of Key Players included in Crime Insurance Market are

Chubb (United States)

AXA (France)

Aon (United Kingdom)

AIG (United States)

Aviva (United Kingdom)

Zurich Insurance (Switzerland)

Founder Shield (United States)

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (United States)

Morris & Reynolds Insurance (United States)

Allianz SE (Germany)

Market Trends: Advancement in New Distribution Models and With the Technology Development, Along With-It New Skills and Expertise is also High Attractive a Strategic Agenda in this Industry

Drivers: Increase in Willingness to Protect Organizations from Unforeseen Future Losses Occurred from Workers and Other Third-Party Criminals

Rapid Development in Economies with Huge Expansion of Small Size Businesses

Challenges: Low-Interest Rates are a Major Issue, particularly in the Advanced Markets, Though Developing Ones are Increasingly Impacted Also

Opportunities: Development in New Accounting Standards and Regulations Signify a Performance Improvement Opportunity

Cost Optimization Strategies Must Account for Investments in the Future

The titled segments and Market Data are Break Down by Sales Channels (Insurance Agents/Brokers, Direct Response, Banks, Digital, Others), Industry Verticals (IT Industry, Software Industry, Devices & Infrastructure, Emerging Technology, Telecom Services, Others), Organizations Size (Small and Medium Size Organization, Large Size Organization), Coverage (Theft Cover, Fraud Cover, Forgery Cover, Kidnapping Cover)

Presented By

AMA Research & Media LLP

[mi4011elricksenadipathy]

Task 1: Story of Simon Otto

Simon Otto was born on the 12th of June in 1973 and raised in Gommiswald, just outside of Zurich in Switzerland. He began his career by carving commercial snow sculptures in nearby resort towns such as Arosa and St. Moritz and drawing cartoons for news in his hometown newspaper, "Die Suedostschweiz". After completing apprenticeship, he redirected his attention to the arts and attended the F&F Schule für Experimentelle Gestaltung in Zurich. After that, he left Switzerland to study at the prestigious Les Gobelins Animation School in Paris, France. After graduating from Les Gobelins, he received additional animation training through an internship with Walt Disney Animation in Paris.

His professional animation career started in 1997, when he was hired by DreamWorks Animation in Los Angeles to work as a traditional character animator on their first 2D animated feature ‘The Prince of Egypt’. He then spent 21 years as part of the character animation team working on both 2D and CG projects for the studio.Otto is particularly known for his work as the Head of Character Animation for the “How To Train Your Dragon” movie franchise and has been instrumental in developing the look of the characters, their personalities and the overall style of animation for the films.

He was rewarded for his achievements with the VES awards for 'Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Featuree’in 2011 by the Visual effect Society. Simon Otto designed a number of characters in the film including Toothless and Lightfury and did storyboarding work on the second and third films. He was a key contributor to the development of Premo, the animation software developed at DreamWorks Animation that won an “Academy Award for Technical Achievement”

He worked as a Supervising Animator on many of the studio's animated features, including Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and the Aardman co-production, Flushed Away and he was an additional animator for other movies such as Enchanted,The Bee movie,KungFu Panda, as he was the character designer for the hilarious comedy animation, Over the Hedge. In the fall of 2019, after 21 years working for DreamWorks Animation, Simon left the company. He now works as an independent director on various film and television projects.

[dvtuk]

Derivation Of An Agile Technique Construction Set To Optimize The Software Development Process

Please embrace and describe a few of your most wonderful work that showcases that you've got the experience and knowledge we are looking for. Scrum is quickly turning agile software development switzerland into a framework of alternative for firms and organizations excited about achieving Agile transformation. There is a big demand for highly skilled Scrum Masters across the world.

He is particularly identified for his books, which have exerted a profound influence on the evolution of programming, and for his introduction of the concepts of Design by Contract. ATouch Dynamics is a young software start-up company specialized within the development of agile group collaboration software for giant interactive multi-touch shows and some other gadgets. We imagine that right now's complicated tasks can only be solved through extremely interactive and collaborative teams. A extremely collaborative team is far more productive than the sum of its individuals.

Get the right answer for your business, delivered reliably by specialists. It begins with understanding the Agile Manifesto in the context ofproducts and solutionsdelivered by the larger group. Finally it continues by sharing the agile mindset through metaphors and stories. Work on products with end-to-end responsibility, from design of the answer to supply, as well as enchancment of current options.

With skilled web optimization we assist corporations to an optimum position within the search outcomes. We optimize your web site for search engines like google, analyze the results and regulate agile software development switzerland the code for better readability. Are you looking for a new and attention-grabbing challenge in a contemporary working environment with a motivated and dynamic team close to Zurich Sihlcity?

I might see many challenging tasks, that could possibly be managed by applying fascinating and well-liked technologies. I additionally obtained in contact with one other SICPA worker who shared with me information about SICPA’s welcoming culture and very good working atmosphere. I also discovered that SICPA has a multicultural setting and family-oriented mindset, which motivated me even more. Before joining, I knew SICPA as a security options firm, principally involved within the banknotes protection business. I turned aware of the opposite fascinating enterprise areas only via training and briefings within the company.

After completion of the MVP, a seamless transition to continuous further development is possible. Following the MVP, the complete enlargement of the solution is applied in the actual software project. In a primary step, an MVP after agile software development switzerland which an MMP shall be created as a lot as full development of the complete product. JUG Switzerland facilitates the sharing of experience and data amongst its members. This is completed by way of workshops, seminars and conferences.

The intuitive and cost-effective web-to-publish platform for straightforward creation of high-quality, standardized communications. At brix, you could be taken care of by a private key account supervisor. With Riwers, a high-quality resolution can be implemented on schedule in a cost-effective manner.

Around 600 software and system developers work for AXA in Switzerland and are creating tomorrow's know-how inhouse. To do that, we're additionally working in international teams and networks. Our agile product teams organize themselves and work independently where they are answerable for everything from A to Z. Our duties include programming, integrating the latest tools and arranging hackathons.

[jcmarchi]

AI Accelerates Problem-Solving in Complex Scenarios - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/ai-accelerates-problem-solving-in-complex-scenarios-technology-org/

AI Accelerates Problem-Solving in Complex Scenarios - Technology Org

A new, data-driven approach could lead to better solutions for tricky optimization problems like global package routing in logistics or power grid operation.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning – artistic interpretation. Image credit: Mahdis Mousavi via Unsplash, free license

While Santa Claus may have a magical sleigh and nine plucky reindeer to help him deliver presents, for companies like FedEx, the optimization problem of efficiently routing holiday packages is so complicated that they often employ specialized software to find a solution.

This software, called mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) solver, splits a massive optimization problem into smaller pieces and uses generic algorithms to try and find the best solution. However, the solver could take hours — or even days — to arrive at a solution.

The process is so onerous that a company often must stop the software partway through, accepting a solution that is not ideal but the best that could be generated in a set amount of time.

Researchers from MIT and ETH Zurich used machine learning to speed things up.

They identified a key intermediate step in MILP solvers that has so many potential solutions it takes an enormous amount of time to unravel, which slows the entire process. The researchers employed a filtering technique to simplify this step, then used machine learning to find the optimal solution for a specific type of problem.

Their data-driven approach enables a company to use its own data to tailor a general-purpose MILP solver to the problem at hand.

This new technique sped up MILP solvers between 30 and 70 percent, without any drop in accuracy. One could use this method to obtain an optimal solution more quickly or, for especially complex problems, a better solution in a tractable amount of time.

This approach could be used wherever MILP solvers are employed, such as by ride-hailing services, electric grid operators, vaccination distributors, or any entity faced with a thorny resource-allocation problem.

“Sometimes, in a field like optimization, it is very common for folks to think of solutions as either purely machine learning or purely classical. I am a firm believer that we want to get the best of both worlds, and this is a really strong instantiation of that hybrid approach,” says senior author Cathy Wu, the Gilbert W. Winslow Career Development Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), and a member of a member of the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS).

Wu wrote the paper with co-lead authors Sirui Li, an IDSS graduate student, and Wenbin Ouyang, a CEE graduate student; as well as Max Paulus, a graduate student at ETH Zurich. The research will be presented at the Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems.

Tough to solve

MILP problems have an exponential number of potential solutions. For instance, say a traveling salesperson wants to find the shortest path to visit several cities and then return to their city of origin. If there are many cities which could be visited in any order, the number of potential solutions might be greater than the number of atoms in the universe.  

“These problems are called NP-hard, which means it is very unlikely there is an efficient algorithm to solve them. When the problem is big enough, we can only hope to achieve some suboptimal performance,” Wu explains.

An MILP solver employs an array of techniques and practical tricks that can achieve reasonable solutions in a tractable amount of time.

A typical solver uses a divide-and-conquer approach, first splitting the space of potential solutions into smaller pieces with a technique called branching. Then, the solver employs a technique called cutting to tighten up these smaller pieces so they can be searched faster.

Cutting uses a set of rules that tighten the search space without removing any feasible solutions. These rules are generated by a few dozen algorithms, known as separators, that have been created for different kinds of MILP problems. 

Wu and her team found that the process of identifying the ideal combination of separator algorithms to use is, in itself, a problem with an exponential number of solutions.

“Separator management is a core part of every solver, but this is an underappreciated aspect of the problem space. One of the contributions of this work is identifying the problem of separator management as a machine learning task to begin with,” she says.

Shrinking the solution space

She and her collaborators devised a filtering mechanism that reduces this separator search space from more than 130,000 potential combinations to around 20 options. This filtering mechanism draws on the principle of diminishing marginal returns, which says that the most benefit would come from a small set of algorithms, and adding additional algorithms won’t bring much extra improvement.

Then they use a machine-learning model to pick the best combination of algorithms from among the 20 remaining options.

This model is trained with a dataset specific to the user’s optimization problem, so it learns to choose algorithms that best suit the user’s particular task. Since a company like FedEx has solved routing problems many times before, using real data gleaned from past experience should lead to better solutions than starting from scratch each time.

The model’s iterative learning process, known as contextual bandits, a form of reinforcement learning, involves picking a potential solution, getting feedback on how good it was, and then trying again to find a better solution.

This data-driven approach accelerated MILP solvers between 30 and 70 percent without any drop in accuracy. Moreover, the speedup was similar when they applied it to a simpler, open-source solver and a more powerful, commercial solver.

In the future, Wu and her collaborators want to apply this approach to even more complex MILP problems, where gathering labeled data to train the model could be especially challenging. Perhaps they can train the model on a smaller dataset and then tweak it to tackle a much larger optimization problem, she says. The researchers are also interested in interpreting the learned model to better understand the effectiveness of different separator algorithms.

Written by Adam Zewe

Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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