Expert systems—aspects we must consider for use in production programming

Abstract In this study some considerations are presented regarding the utilization of the tools of Artificial Intelligence based on knowledge, in order to assist engineers in scheduling manufacturing processes. To this end, a revision of concepts and characteristics of expert systems is also presented here. There are many aspects to be considered on choosing a tool of Artificial Intelligence for use in a given area of the business. For scheduling, specifically, the situation is not at all different. In this case, one must take into consideration the fact that the scheduling sector is not isolated within the company, whether it renders service or is an industry. Manufacturing acts as a whole unit and when considering it as part of this context, the other sectors should also be known, not in details, but it should be clear where and when scheduling interacts with one of the other areas. And then through an analysis of these interactions and based on the results, it is possible to choose the software tools suitable to the problem. In addition to the aspect of choosing the appropriate tool of Artificial Intelligence, the study presents a discussion on some softwares of Artificial Intelligence, specific to manufacturing scheduling, known in the literature and utilized in big companies in recent years.