Expert systems in production and operations management : Current applications and future prospects

Defines an expert system (ES) as a decision‐making tool that captures perishable expertise from an expert and stores this knowledge in the computer, and also as a computer system that can solve problems using human expertise and knowledge of the system environment. Notes that expert systems have found many applications in the area of production and operations management (POM). Explains the key role of the ES as a management tool to enhance productivity, improve quality, increase profits and capture expertise in many business settings. Highlights that the field of POM has a heavy orientation towards problem solving and decision making, hence it is a very fertile area for application for ES. Evaluates the current use of ES in POM and discusses future prospects.