Continuing Evolution of Expert Systems Provides Decision Support and Proactive Machinery Management Methodology

In today’s competitive business environment we are constantly called upon to make decisions that directly influence operations, and, therefore, profitability. In recent years it has been necessary to evaluate not just “what” needs to be done, but “how” it should be accomplished. Staying competitive in any field of business requires the ability to adapt to an ever changing and dynamic environment. If your business requires operating and maintaining critical machinery you need to be able to make critical decisions and take action. You must keep processes up and running, while extending machinery life and reducing maintenance costs. It is, therefore, important to have accurate information in a timely manner in order to make effective decisions. The management of critical machinery represents an important aspect of the operations with significant economic burden. This paper presents many aspects of expert system application in this critical function of business.