EXPERT SYSTEM An expert system is a computer program that is capable of consultation, choice support, and work presentation assistance

based upon their contained expertise in a definite problem solving part. In order for expertise systems to present suitable advice or assistance, this expertise must be captured using the concepts and techniques from AI and knowledge engineering. Expert systems are computer programs that are developed to execute complex problem solving errands at the same levels as a competent individual. To function at such levels, expert systems require a large body of specific knowledge in a well-defined problem area. The roles of expert systems vary. The difference between expert systems and other computer based information system is not that large as people are thinking. The major difference is that expert systems are essentially knowledge based, that is they process knowledge, mostly symbolic, rather than the data and information that is major business of conventional Computer Based Information System. Dealing with knowledge is not simple and it can be troublesome. The acquisition, representation, inference, maintenance and refinement of knowledge require special skills which most of us simply do not posses. Expert systems have several other unique characteristics which may contribute to the success or failure of ES applications. Example, ES were found to be successful in certain generic areas such as diagnosis. Building a system outside the success boundary can be risky. Another factor is the nature of the application. Expert systems cannot handle situations which involve common sense or situations where the problem area is too wide. Expert systems may make mistakes just like the human experts which the system imitates.

Many expert systems require the inputs of experts. Experts may not be too cooperative, may be too busy, hard to communicate with, etc. acquiring knowledge needs to be verified and validated. When expertise and judgment are involved, it may be very difficult to conduct any validation. Knowledge also needs to be maintained, and there is an issue of who is going to maintain the knowledge as well as who is going to pay the bill for maintenance.

Technology plays a vital role in the success of expert system. Take a look into the computing environment, ES can be built on artificial intelligence workstations or they can be built to run on conventional hardware ranging from a pc to mainframe. The advantage of using AI workstations machines are rapidly diminishing. Running certain ES on certain unix workstations was found to be efficient, or even more efficient than running them on an AI workstation. Running ES on AI workstations may involve interface problems whenever interfaces (e.g to data-bases) are needed. This is a brief definition and some uniqueness of Expert Systems.