An introduction to expert systems

90 An Introduction to Expert Systems An expert system is a knowledge-based information system; that is, it uses its knowledge ab0out a specific area to act as an expert consultant to users. The components of an expert system are a knowledge base and software modules that perform inferences on the knowledge and offer answers to a user’s questions. Expert systems provide answers to questions in a very specific problem area by making human like inferences about knowledge contained in a specialized knowledge base. Expert systems can provide decision support to end users in the form of advice from an expert consultant in a specific problem area. Expert systems are being used in many different fields, including medicine, engineering, the physical sciences, and business. For example, expert systems now help diagnose illnesses, search for minerals, analyze compounds, recommend repairs, and do financial planning. Expert systems can support either operations or management activities.