Development of Expert Systems: General Steps

The process of ES development is iterative. Steps in developing the ES include −

Identify Problem Domain

      The problem must be suitable for an expert system to solve it.

      Find the experts in task domain for the ES project.

      Establish cost-effectiveness of the system.

Design the System

      Identify the ES Technology

      Know and establish the degree of integration with the other systems and databases.

      Realize how the concepts can represent the domain knowledge best.

Develop the Prototype

From Knowledge Base: The knowledge engineer works to −

      Acquire domain knowledge from the expert.

      Represent it in the form of If-THEN-ELSE rules.

Test and Refine the Prototype

      The knowledge engineer uses sample cases to test the prototype for any deficiencies in performance.

      End users test the prototypes of the ES.

Develop and Complete the ES

      Test and ensure the interaction of the ES with all elements of its environment, including end users, databases, and other information systems.

      Document the ES project well.

      Train the user to use ES.

Maintain the ES

      Keep the knowledge base up-to-date by regular review and update.

      Cater for new interfaces with other information systems, as those systems evolve.