The use of decision support systems in manufacturing management

Discusses a research programme which is currently being undertaken into the use of artificial intelligence techniques applied to decision support systems in the area of manufacturing management. The programme encompasses a survey of the current state-of-the-art with respect to the use of computer software for the support of manufacturing management, the development of a generic software environment to support the manufacturing process, and more specifically targeted research projects within individual manufacturing companies. The programme currently involves collaboration with eight local companies. The paper presents the overall aims of the research and discuss progress to date. Although the paper refers to particular, computing techniques the major emphasis is in relation to the application area, namely that of manufacturing