How do you update and maintain the knowledge base of an expert system in decision support?

1 Identify the sources of knowledge

The first step in updating and maintaining the knowledge base of an expert system is to identify the sources of knowledge that are relevant and authoritative for the domain. These sources can include human experts, textbooks, journals, databases, reports, case studies, or other expert systems. You need to select the sources that are accurate, consistent, comprehensive, and up-to-date, and that can provide both explicit and tacit knowledge. Explicit knowledge is the knowledge that can be easily expressed and documented, such as facts, rules, and definitions. Tacit knowledge is the knowledge that is implicit and intuitive, such as heuristics, experience, and judgment.

2 Acquire and structure the knowledge

The second step in updating and maintaining the knowledge base of an expert system is to acquire and structure the knowledge from the sources. This can be done by using various techniques, such as interviews, questionnaires, observation, analysis, or prototyping. You need to elicit the knowledge from the experts or the documents, and then organize it into a logical and coherent structure that can be represented and manipulated by the expert system. The structure of the knowledge base can vary depending on the type and complexity of the domain, but some common forms are rule-based, frame-based, network-based, or logic-based.

4 Implement and integrate the knowledge

The fourth step in updating and maintaining the knowledge base of an expert system is to implement and integrate the knowledge into the system. Implementation is the process of translating the knowledge into a format that can be executed by the expert system, such as code, rules, or frames. Integration is the process of linking the knowledge with the other components of the expert system, such as the inference engine, the user interface, or the database. You need to use appropriate tools, languages, or platforms to implement and integrate the knowledge into the system. You also need to ensure that the knowledge is compatible and interoperable with the system.

5 Monitor and evaluate the knowledge

The fifth step in updating and maintaining the knowledge base of an expert system is to monitor and evaluate the knowledge on a regular basis. Monitoring is the process of observing and measuring the performance and behavior of the expert system, such as its accuracy, efficiency, reliability, or usability. Evaluation is the process of assessing and judging the quality and value of the expert system, such as its effectiveness, relevance, satisfaction, or impact. You need to use various indicators, metrics, or criteria to monitor and evaluate the knowledge and the system. You also need to collect and analyze data, such as feedback, results, or outcomes, from the users and the experts.

6 Revise and refine the knowledge

The sixth and final step in updating and maintaining the knowledge base of an expert system is to revise and refine the knowledge based on the findings and insights from the previous steps. Revision is the process of modifying and correcting the knowledge to address any errors, inconsistencies, gaps, or changes that have been identified or reported. Refinement is the process of enhancing and improving the knowledge to increase its accuracy, completeness, clarity, or relevance. You need to use various methods, such as editing, adding, deleting, or reorganizing, to revise and refine the knowledge. You also need to communicate and document the changes and updates to the users and the experts.