An expert system for recommending the best ERP solution to SMEs

Abstract

Expert systems are used to provide expert advice within various complex domains. One such domain is the selection of an Enterprise Resource Planning solution. This project aims to choose and configure an expert system to select an ERP solution for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This was achieved by first identifying the right expert system that can assist in the ERP selection process. Then the acquisition of expert knowledge through appropriate methodologies and population of the expert system followed. Possible ERP solutions were evaluated, and for this project, Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions were selected. During the design stage, case studies were used to understand the complexity and challenges of such a selection process. These same case studies were used in the testing phase. A group of ERP experts provided expert advice during the whole Expert System life cycle. Most of these ERP experts found this expert system to be a valuable tool. Nevertheless, expert insisted that expert advice might still be required if ERP customisation is needed.