A knowledge-based expert system for technology acquisition in small and medium scale manufacturing organizations

Abstract

Abstract Consistent and reliable decision making for technology acquisition in small and medium scale manufacturing organizations is vitally important since these firms are the backbone of national economies, both in developed and developing countries. Because of their flexibility, small and medium scale firms are successful in adopting new technologies. However, a careful analysis should be conducted in technology acquisition decisions. Since these decisions require special type of knowledge and expertise, expert system, as an important tool of computerized decision making, can overcome these multidimensional difficulties. This paper proposes a knowledge-based approach making use of issues such as sales, processes, costs and general policies, in decision processes for technology acquisition by small and medium scale manufacturing organizations in the developing environments.