1. A computer-implemented method for generating bins for a scorecard, comprising: receiving first binning data that contains data items for binning; generating an approximate set of bins by applying a mixed integer problem solver to an optimization model and to the received first binning data; wherein the optimization model includes an objective function and constraints; wherein the objective function is based upon a surrogate weight of evidence metric; wherein the surrogate weight of evidence metric is an approximation of a weight of evidence metric which is indicative of levels of risk with respect to the data items contained in the first binning data; storing in a computer-readable storage medium or mediums the generated approximate set of bins for use in generating the scorecard.