Combinatorial optimization in system configuration design

The significance of systems configurations has been increased in many applied domains (e.g., software, hardware, manufacturing systems, communication systems, supply chain systems, solving strategies, modular planning, material engineering and combinatorial chemistry). Generally, the following kinds of systems under configuration (reconfiguration) can be examined: (a) initial data/infomation (or row materials); (b) processing systems (machines, computers, algorithms); (c) resultant decisions (e.g., products, plans); (d) applied support systems (e.g., network systems, services); (e) requirements; and (f) standards. In the paper several system configuration problems are investigated: (i) searching for (selection of) a set (structure) of system components, (ii) searching for a set of compatible system components, (iii) allocation of system components, (iv) reconfiguration of a system as redesign of the system structure, (v) multi-stage design and redesign of system configuration, (vi) design or redesign of the system configuration for multi-product systems, and (vii) design of system hierarchy. Combinatorial optimization models (including multicriteria statements) are under examination: multiple choice problem, allocation problem, graph coloring problems, morphological clique problem (with compatibility of system components), multipartite clique and their modifications, spanning trees problems.