A knowledge based hypertext system for document generation and checking

SD-Scicon has created a PC based system which integrates expert system and hypertext technologies. It is undergoing trials at several sites and is being used to generate Quality Plans, which can be over thirty pages long. This implementation employs a knowledge base with over 300 rules, and it provides direct hypertext access to over 400 pages of the company standards and procedures. The system is general purpose and is independent of the particular knowledge bases and hypertext files used on this trial implementation. A commercial product is planned for early 1991. The paper describes the rationale behind the system, particularly the benefits to be gained in speed and in the quality of the documents produced, and in the improved training for staff using the system. It also outlines the architecture of the system and discusses the current implementation. It concludes with a summary of future prospects for the system