XPLanner: A knowledge-based decision support system for facility management and planning

Abstract

A case study is reported of the design, implementation, and evaluation of a knowledge-based decision support system, XPLanner. XPLanner integrates an expert system with optimization modeling technique, database management system, and interactive user interface to create a comprehensive decision aid for facility management and planning by the US Army. It is believed that integrating the expert system with the modeling and data management capabilities of decision support systems can create a computer system which effectively supports the combination of rational and heuristic paradigms which characterize the problem-solving approach to planning.