Knowledge-based systems for integrating computer integrated manufacturing data bases.

This paper presents a model for using knowledge-based systems (KBSs) to integrate Computer Integrated Manufacturing data bases. To position this research, an overview of the state of the art in database technology related to knowledge-based systems (KBS) is presented. Then, the overall structure of total system, which is composed of four databases and four KBSs: MRP-KBS (material Requirements Planning), ACC-KBS (Accounting), CAD-KBS (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM-KBS (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), is proposed. Specifically, the framework of the MRP-KBS and its knowledge representation are dealt with. In order to make such a system flexible enough to fit dynamically changing environments, System Dynamics methodologies and knowledge-based technologies are introduced to control the database. This makes the proposed system dynamic, flexible and powerful. (A)