| A long list of successful rule-based
expert system examples developed over the last thirty years
is available in books listed in the
references.
Application
categories that are suitable for small-scale Web-based implementation include:
|
 |
Product selection/configuration advisors. These expert systems
help a consumer identify product parameters that will best satisfy their
needs, and may map these parameters to specific available products,
product configurations and vendors.
The Desktop PC Advisor/Infomercial
provides an example. |
|
Intelligent job aids/performance
support tools. A job aid or performance support tool helps
a less experienced worker perform at the level of more skilled employees
by encapsulating this expertise. Job aids may also be used as an efficient
substitute for paper policy and procedures documents. The
Loan decision and
Product promotion advisor
knowledge bases demonstrate possible formats for a rule-based job aid.
See the EPSS InfoSite
for material on Electronic Performance Support Systems. |
|
Diagnostic assistants. Medical diagnosis was
one of the earliest problem domains approached with rule-based expert
systems. Many diagnostic systems that provide equipment maintenance
have been developed, and this format is represented by the
Auto Diagnosis Advisor. |
|
Tutorials. By integrating factual information
and explanation capabilities with a job aid or diagnostic assistant,
the user's level of expertise may be increased by solving problems with
the expert system. The
Data Analysis Technique Tutor illustrates this idea. |
|
Web-based implementation allows supporting content to be synchronized with
the inferencing process. Product information can be displayed as product
selection advisors narrow in on a specific item. Text or graphical
details from policy, procedure or training manuals can be keyed to the
steps presented by an intelligent job aid. It is possible to link
glossaries or other support materials with the progress of diagnostic assistants
or tutorials to integrate learning with problem solving.
Several of the examples demonstrate this synchronization. |