Optimization vs AI to make things Better

I was reminded that my early experiences with government and enterprise systems dealt with the optimization of systems.  That is, the mathematical means of linking a specific mathematical statement of a problem, with value goals and constraints, to a specific best possible solution.   We used the predecessors of ILOG, and CPlex directly for these problems.    We saved millions using these methods.  Of course optimization does not have the current hype.

Now how is AI, as it currently defined,  dissimilar from Optimization?    Usually because the Optimization approach is more specifically and numerically defined.     If AI uses human-like intelligence, it is usually not precisely mathematical.   And unfortunately not as closely tied to specific business process.   Not saying that AI cannot use optimization methods, it just usually does not.   So there should be a strong consideration towards using more precise and direct and process oriented methods.

Was pointed to this company that works the space, have never worked with them:

Optimization Direct Inc., co-founded by Dr. Robert Ashford, a pioneer in the field of optimization, and Dr. Alkis Vazacopoulos, a leader in the industry, markets IBM® ILOG® CPLEX Optimization Studio®, the world's leading software product for modeling and optimization.

CPLEX Optimization Studio* solves large-scale optimization problems and enables better business decisions and resulting financial benefits in areas such as supply chain management, operations, healthcare, retail, transportation, logistics and asset management. It has been applied in sectors as diverse as manufacturing, processing, distribution, retailing, transport, finance and investment.

CPLEX Optimization Studio is an analytical decision support toolkit for rapid development and deployment of optimization models using mathematical and constraint programming. It combines an integrated development environment (IDE) with the powerful Optimization Programming Language (OPL) and high-performance ILOG CPLEX optimizer solvers. CPLEX Optimization Studio enables clients to:

Optimize business decisions with high-performance optimization engines.

Develop and deploy optimization models quickly by using flexible interfaces and prebuilt deployment scenarios.

Create real-world applications that can significantly improve business outcomes. ...... "