Page 252 - DCAP208_Management Support Systems

Unit 14: Knowledge-based Decision Support

14.2.6 Creation of Expert Systems Notes

The best way to do this is to use an expert system shell. An expert system shell can be viewed as
an expert system minus the domain knowledge (the analogy would be the difference between a
database tool and a database system). It allows knowledge of a domain to be encoded in a
specific format and put into the system to create expert systems for different domains. The
advantage of using a shell is that it avoids the need for computer programming and allows the
developer to focus only on the domain knowledge. This enables even non-computer professionals
to create expert systems. For instance, one could create a system by just keying in the rules which
were given. The shell would provide the interface, the inference engine and the explanation
system.

Task Analyze the steps for creating expert systems.

14.2.7 Benefits of Expert System

The main benefits of expert systems are:-
Permanence: Expert systems do not forget which may happen with human experts. Actually
it is accumulation of experts knowledge.

Reproductive: Many copies of an expert system can be made, but training new human
experts is time-consuming and expensive.

Complex Problem Solving & Decision Making: If there is a maze of rules (e.g. tax and
auditing), then the expert system can work out the maze easily.
Productivity: Expert Systems can increase output & productivity which may result in
decreased personnel costs.
Inexpensive maintenance: Although expert systems are expensive to build and maintain,
they are inexpensive to operate. Development and maintenance costs can be spread over
many users. The overall cost can be quite reasonable when compared to expensive and
scarce human experts.

Consistency: With expert systems similar transactions are handled in the same way. The
system will make comparable recommendations for like situations whereas humans are
influenced by recency effects (most recent information having a disproportionate impact
on judgment) & primacy effects (early information dominates the judgment).

Documentation: An expert system can provide permanent documentation of the decision
process.

Completeness: An expert system can review all the transactions where a human expert can
only review a sample.
Timeliness: Fraud and/or errors can be prevented. Information is available sooner for
decision making.

Breadth: The knowledge of multiple human experts can be combined to give a system
more breadth that a single person is likely to achieve.

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