Fascinating study reported on by Wired.com on the traveling salesman problem and bees. This is important for any organization that has a supply chain. Identifying the lowest cost connections between the many numerous interactions can have significant cost implications on the overall business.
My interpretation of this study: a little trial and error can go a long way. Now, the network studied was not the most complex in the world but was full of unknowns for the participants (aka the bees). With a little effort they were able to dramatically reduce the amount of work they expending in a process.
Never assume your current method is best – especially if you’ve been doing it for awhile. The world is full of change – you should be just as full of change.