Summary

This paper is concerned with some first hand experiences in the provision of advanced mathematical services to Australian industry. I outline the focus and philosophy of OPCOM, a company I jointly founded with Dr Tony Watts over a decade ago, to benefit Australian industry through the application of mathematical modelling and solution techniques. OPCOM delivers Operations Research (OR) solutions. I give some indication of the spectrum of applications which have been addressed, both through consulting and by the development of software systems.

The key ingredient for an organisation such as OPCOM is the quality and skills of the people we can attract to work in the company. I will briefly describe the skills profile necessary for a successful organisation in this field, showing the dominant role played by mathematical expertise.

The ability to implement successful solutions is intimately related to the available computer technology. OPCOM has evolved side by side with the microcomputer. To continue to be a vibrant and relevant discipline, OR needs to embrace new technologies and look for new challenges. At the dawn of the information age, there are exciting opportunities for our discipline. I will use an example from public transport, one of OPCOM's major areas of application, to illustrate how OR can continue to make a difference.