EXPERT-SYSTEMS IN PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT - CURRENT APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE-PROSPECTS

Defines an expert system (ES) as a decisionmaking tool that captures p erishable expertise from an expert and stores this knowledge in the co mputer, and also as a computer system that can solve problems using hu man expertise and knowledge of the system environment. Notes that expe rt systems have found many applications in the area of production and operations management (POM). Explains the key role of the ES as a mana gement tool to enhance productivity, improve quality, increase profits and capture expertise in many business settings. Highlights that the field of POM has a heavy orientation towards problem solving and decis ion making, hence it is a very fertile area for application for ES. Ev aluates the current use of ES in POM and discusses future prospects.