A tandem expert support system as justification for a flexible manufacturing system

Abstract A tandem model for the application of symbolic and numerical techniques in the justification of flexible manufacturing systems is presented in this paper. A methodology for combining knowledge-based systems and traditional analytical tools for performing deterministic and heuristic activities and aiding in decision making tasks is proposed. The paper emphasizes the automation efforts of capturing the knowledge involved in analyzing the intangible strategic benefits and the cost of investments encountered in equipment justification procedures. The issues involved in acquiring and representing equipment evaluation knowledge and the transfer of control to coupled algorithmic procedures is addressed. A prototype software using personal consultant plus (PCPLUS), an expert system shell that offers a sophisticated frame structure for imposing rule-order strategies, is developed to define and implement the system.