Figure 2: RASON Desktop shown with the Product Mix optimization example open.
The RASON Desktop workspace provides a single environment for editing, solving, and reviewing RASON models inside Visual Studio Code. Figure 2 highlights the main areas used when working with an open model.
- Power BI Instances displays open Power BI reports that RASON Desktop can connect to. These reports are available when reading data from Power BI, writing results back to Power BI, or exporting a RASON model.
- Excel Workbooks displays open Excel workbooks that RASON Desktop can connect to. These workbooks can be used as data sources, output destinations, or export targets.
- RASON Model Editor displays the open RASON JSON model. This is where you can review and edit model sections such as variables, data, constraints, objectives, and settings.
- Output Window displays the solver log as the model is being solved. This log provides progress messages, solver status, objective values, warnings or errors, and the final solution status.
- Solve RASON Model runs the currently open RASON model. Use this command after opening or editing a model to validate the formulation and generate results.
- MCP Server Panel provides AI-assisted RASON modeling help. It can interpret model results, answer questions about the open model, and provide guidance while you work.
- MCP Server Prompt is where you enter questions or prompts for Frontline’s MCP Server. You can use it to ask about model formulation, results, errors, or possible changes to the current model.