Configuration of industrial mixing-machines - development of a knowledge-based system

The system is designed for the configuration of industrial mixing-machines to assist members of the sales departement. The process of configuration is split in two parts: The first part is using process-engineerical knowledge to characterize the mixing-machine by the kind of agitator and the number of revolutions regarding the mixing task; in the second part all components of the mixing-machine are determined with regard to the laws of mechanics. The process of configuration is characterized by loops of feedback. It is a fact that parameters are often needed before they can be computed; therefore they have to be pre-estimated. Later on they will be checked and probably re-computed. All main decisions in the process of configuration are taken by the user. The system supports the user by exploring alternatives and suggesting standardized and therefore cheap components. The system is right now examined in the distribution departement of the manufacturer on usefulness for the daily work.