Enabling multi-use, multi-tool models of manufacturing systems through an experimental frame expert system

A significant shortcoming of traditional modeling methodologies is the limi ted access they provide for decision-makers who are not modeling specialist s. This paper presents an expert system approach to address this shortcomin g. An expert system called the experimental frame expert system (EFES) was developed for this purpose within an advanced modeling environment for manu facturing systems. EFES reduces the dependence upon modeling specialists, a nd thus, makes models, both analytical and simulation, more accessible to d ecision-makers. This is accomplished by using two knowledge bases, one rela ted to the manufacturing system specific symptoms and problems, and the oth er to system analysis and optimization tools. This paper presents the disse rtation research effort that led to development of these two knowledge base s as well as the EFES framework within the advanced modeling environment.