An expert system to support the optimization of ion plating process: an OLAP-based fuzzy-cum-GA approach

To cope with the issue of 'brain drain' in today's competitive industrial environment, it is important to capture the relevant experience and knowledge in order to sustain the continual growth of company business. Studies indicate that a system, which is able to support optimization to enhance knowledge acquisition, is still needed. To address this issue, this paper proposes an expert system to support the optimization process based on expert advice derived from past experience. The expert system named fuzzy-based with Genetic Algorithm and On Line Analytical Processing embraces three emerging technologies including (i) fuzzy logic for mimicking the human thinking and decision-making mechanism, (ii) Genetic Algorithm for optimizing the analyzed knowledge, and (iii) On Line Analytical Processing for supporting data mining process through the capturing of relevant knowledge in terms of fuzzy rules for future decision-making as well as providing a mechanism to apply the obtained knowledge to support industrial processes. To validate the feasibility of the approach, a case study on the optimization of ion plating process has been conducted with promising results. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.