A prototype expert system for selecting control charts

The emergence of expert systems provides new insight to specialists in manufacturing as a means of solving problems in their domains. The solutions of most manufacturing problems are not deterministic and many alternate courses of action exist. In this paper, the structure of a prototype expert system, which provides support to the process or quality engineer in the selection of the proper type of control charts to use in tracking the state of the process, is explained. The functionality and operation procedures for executing this system are demonstrated on sample consultations and evolvement of the system in time to reinforce existing input knowledge bases is described.