HSC Enterprise Computing: Intelligent Systems -Common Applications of Experts Systems

The infographic shows four common uses of expert systems. These are computer systems that use specialist knowledge and rules to solve problems and support decisions. How they work: A knowledge base stores expert facts and rules. An inference engine applies these rules to the data entered by a user or collected by sensors. The system then recommends a decision or action. Diagnosis — identifying a problem Expert systems analyse symptoms or faults to identify a likely cause. For example, a medical expert system uses symptoms and test results to suggest possible illnesses. A doctor checks these suggestions before deciding on treatment. Monitoring — checking conditions Expert systems examine incoming data and alert users when they detect unusual or unsafe conditions. For example, a system monitors a patient’s heart rate and alerts medical staff when the readings suggest a problem. Process control — adjusting operations Expert systems use data and rules to adjust equipment and keep processes safe and efficient. For example, a factory system may reduce heating when sensor readings show that a machine is becoming too hot. Scheduling and planning — organising work Expert systems help organise tasks, people and resources. For example, a delivery business can plan schedules using driver availability, delivery deadlines and vehicle capacity. Benefits and limitations: Expert systems can make decisions faster and more consistent. However, their recommendations depend on accurate data and suitable, updated rules. Human judgement remains important. Syllabus connection: This infographic supports learning about how intelligent systems use knowledge to support enterprise activities and decision-making in the Intelligent Systems focus area of NESA’s Stage 6 Enterprise Computing syllabus.