Abstract: A tool including a framework suitable for manufacturing logistics decision support. The tool comprises means for providing an object-oriented technology framework, the framework comprising: means for defining objects representing manufacturing logistics problems; means for transforming a subject of the above objects into representations commonly used in a mathematical solver, wherein the representations in the solver have predefined relationships based on their properties; and, means responsive to selective changes in the objects for modifying the behavior of the framework for developing anew manufacturing logistics decision support application.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for conveying higher dimensional tabular information to people using a lower dimensional output device. The apparatus is such that original information in the higher dimensional expression can be mapped to the lower dimensional output device, while preserving invariant a content and relationship of the original information.