A strategy for near-term success using knowledge-based systems

Abstract

AbstractKnowledge-based System (KBS) technologies have been applied to a variety of knowledge-related tasks with varying degrees of success. Differentiating among classes of knowledge-related tasks, based on the amounts of problem-solving knowledge and case-specific data involved, can provide valuable insight into why this occurs. Based on this comparison, four classes of problems are described. One class, of data-intensive tasks, includes problem types that are difficult or impossible for humans to perform, yet may be solved in a cost-effective manner using currently accessible KBS technology. The characteristic features of problems in this class are given, together with an example of a successfully fielded knowledge-based system that solves a problem from this class.