A decision support expert system for correction of manufacturing process problems

Abstract

As computer-integrated manufacturing technology replaces human operators with robots and automated equipment, the thinking and reasoning abilities of the operators are also removed. Unexpected events in a manufacturing operation are an everyday occurrence, so the loss of the operator's reasoning abilities in solving process problems can be devastating. In order to keep complex equipment functioning efficiently, a decision support expert system prototype for correcting machining process problems is presented in this paper. The development and the long range goal of using the expert system for correcting process problems are also discussed.