Abstract A new prescriptive problem-solving framework, COMAND, has been developed to overcome the problems faced by FMS designers. This framework combines the efficient knowledge representation capabilities of computer simulation modelling with the effective inference capabilities of knowledge engineering to search for a feasible, desirable, and reliable design and control strategy in the complex, dynamic FMS decision-making environment. The COMAND framework uses the problem decomposition method and a knowledge-based search approach to recommend a solution. Its operation is controlled and guided by the knowledge supplied by the user. The overall effectiveness of the COMAND system in meeting research objectives has been verified with the help of multiple experiments. The COMAND system can be a valuable aid to FMS managers and engineers for designing and operating FMS in an efficient manner.