Expert Systems Applied to the Economic Justification of Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Abstract

This chapter relates aspects of applied artificial intelligence (AI), in the form of expert or knowledge based systems, to economic justification of advanced manufacturing systems. In keeping with the theme of the book, we focus on the general task of venture justification. However, the approach taken extends beyond the scope of venture justification applications and addresses some fundamentals and capabilities pertinent to all expert system applications. This breadth of discussion is necessary in demonstrating clearly what expert systems technology can do versus what it is reported to have done.