kint vs.
spreadsheet optimization.
Spreadsheet solvers are familiar and close at hand. They are limited in size and methods, and hard to automate, share or audit.
the strength of spreadsheetsFamiliarityKnown to almost everyone in planning.
the strength of kintProblem sizeLarge models with many variables and rules.
kint · spreadsheets7 dimensions, both sides
Side by side
dimension by dimension.
Properties you can check, not benchmark claims. The last column says which approach fits better on that dimension.
| Dimension | kint | spreadsheets | Fits better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem size | Large models with many variables and rules. | Built-in spreadsheet solvers cap the number of decision variables, often at a few hundred. Add-ins go further. | kint |
| Methods | LP, MIP, CP, QP and blackbox models. | LP, basic nonlinear and evolutionary search. | kint |
| Automation | Once a workflow is approved it runs whenever your systems call it; each plan waits for release by a planner. | Set up and started by hand each time. | kint |
| Embedding | Embeddable in planning software as an OEM component. | Bound to the desktop file. | kint |
| Teamwork and record | Roles, releases and versioned decisions. | One file, copies and version conflicts. | kint |
| Familiarity | A new tool for the team to learn. | Known to almost everyone in planning. | spreadsheets |
| Cost | A licence or service fee. | Included in software you already have. | spreadsheets |
Choose spreadsheets when
spreadsheets: the better fit.
The model is small, used by one person, and run now and then for a quick answer.
Choose kint when
the decision has to be defended.
The model has outgrown the file, it should run on its own, or several people have to rely on and approve its results.
Used together
A working spreadsheet model is a good starting point. It shows the rules your team already uses, and kint can take it from there.
Other comparisons
kint next to the other approaches.
- kint vs. manual planningspreadsheets and planner experience
- kint vs. custom developmentyour own optimization team and solver stack
- kint vs. heuristic methodsrules of thumb, metaheuristics and custom search
- kint vs. general AI and MLLLMs and general machine learning
spreadsheets and kint, on your decision.
Bring a plan your team made today. We put the kint plan next to it, with the binding limit of each, and you judge.
- All comparisons
- kint next to the alternatives
- Results
- Plan, binding limit, sensitivity, bound and gap, record
- Problem types
- the decisions kint solves
- contact
- hello@kint.pro