Run EPM from GAMS Studio#

This method is recommended for debugging, testing, and initial setup of the model.

Steps#

  1. Open GAMS Studio.

  2. Open the project folder:

    • Go to the File menu at the top.

    • Click Open in New Group.

    • Navigate to the folder where the model files are located.

    • Select the file named main.gms and click Open.

  3. Ensure main.gms is set as the main file (you’ll see a green triangle in the corner of its tab). If not, right-click it and choose Set as Main File.

  4. Specify the required command-line arguments in the Task Bar at the top of GAMS Studio.

    All arguments must be prefixed with --.
    Example:

    --FOLDER_INPUT epm/input/data_eapp/ --BASE_FILE base.gms

    Note:

    • %FOLDER_INPUT% must always be defined (no default).

    • Other files have defaults if not specified (see below).

    • The BASE_FILE is only included if you are not restarting a run (gams.restart is not set).

  5. Click the Compile/Run button.

  6. Check the Process Log for errors or messages. If successful, the output file epmresults.gdx will appear in the project directory.

    Tip: Rename or move these files after the run to avoid overwriting them next time.

Default GAMS File Arguments and Behavior#

If not provided on the command line, the following files are set to default values in the GAMS script:

Argument Name

Default Filename

Description

BASE_FILE

base.gms

Base GAMS file, included only if not restarting

REPORT_FILE

generate_report.gms

Report generation script

READER_FILE

input_readers.gms

Input reading script

VERIFICATION_FILE

input_verification.gms

Input verification script

TREATMENT_FILE

input_treatment.gms

Input treatment/preprocessing script

DEMAND_FILE

generate_demand.gms

Demand generation script

TRACE

0

Detailed log when reading inputs

Important Notes#

  • The %FOLDER_INPUT% argument must always be defined when running the model, as it points to the folder containing input .csv files.

  • The BASE_FILE is included only if no restart flag (gams.restart) is set, meaning a fresh run.

  • The system logs which files are used for each argument, helping with debugging.

  • You can override any of these files by specifying them explicitly as command-line arguments prefixed with --.

Example command-line arguments in GAMS Studio task bar:

–FOLDER_INPUT epm/input/data_sapp/ –BASE_FILE base_v2.gms –REPORT_FILE generate_report_v2.gms