Expert "Know How" Distributed Enterprise WideTexas Eastman
Texas Eastman has a large petrochemical plant that uses expert systems on their cluster VAX's. There are a wide range of chemicals and plastics produced through many different types of processes. The company feels expert systems should be widely utilized. Texas Eastman decided to implement expert systems by codifying the "know-how" of top engineers and line operators into expert systems The systems help automate routine tasks and questions that then free up the experts to tackle unique, complex problems and better utilize their talents. By using the Rule Editor, with its menu options, they were able to take personnel, often with relatively little computer experience, and have them produce expert systems that are now assisting in many aspects of plant operation.
Most of the expert systems at Texas Eastman are small, under 100 rules, but fully cover a specific aspect of a process. By connecting over 400 such systems with external program calls like process monitoring, databases, and in-house developed software, Texas Eastman has effectively produced a total system of well over 15,000 rules. This enormous knowledge base covers many aspects of the plant.