This paper presents details of the implementation of neural networks a
nd/or fuzzy logic systems in industry, especially in the areas of sche
duling and planning, inventory control, quality control, group technol
ogy and forecasting. The paper also covers the most current research i
n the fusion of neural networks and fuzzy logic systems. The four type
s of approach considered are (1) using neural networks to simulate mem
bership functions in fuzzy logic systems; (2) using neural networks to
replace fuzzy rule evaluation in fuzzy logic systems; (3) fusing neur
al networks and fuzzy logic systems; and (4) using neural networks to
learn or process fuzzy types of data. However. because few industries
have successfully implemented these approaches, detailed discussions a
re provided for stimulating future studies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science
B.V.