Abstract—In a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) environment, proper planning, control and operational processes require a proper combination of expert knowledge of the area along with powerful decision support capabilities.This paper discusses the salient features of decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems, and their integration to support the major functions from strategic level considerations and marketing to manufacturing operational planning and process. From the hierarchical structure of information flow in an organization, this paper attempts to find the best way of combining decision support systems with expert systems for enhancing the planning, control and operational functions in a CIM environment.

Index Terms—Decision Support Systems, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Expert System, Hierarchical Structure, InformationFlow

Cite: Sanatan Ratna and Dhrub Prasad, "Integrating Decision Support and Expert Systems for Enhanced Planning, Control and Operational Functions in a CIM Environment," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 437-444, July 2014.