Some considerations in developing expert systems for the hospitality industry

Abstract

Expert systems, a specific aspect of artificial intelligence, are attracting much attention as decision support systems for the future. Firms are investigating the feasibility of these systems as tools to provide them with a competitive edge. However, the development of expert systems is complex and costly. Acquisition of the knowledge base from the domain expert and subsequent coding of subjective knowledge poses particular difficulties. No firm should initiate the development of expert systems without first completing an extensive feasibility study. However, where feasible, the development of expert systems can provide firms with many significant advantages.