The application of expert systems in manufacturing sector

Abstract

Ethiopia is among the African countries that are following stereotype of Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI). In fact, textile and garment sector is the second largest manufacturing industry that plays a significant role in the development of Ethiopian economy. However, the textile and garment sector is still in its embryonic stage and the production quality is rather poor, even when compared with other developing countries. In light of this, the researchers argued that the Ethiopian textile and garment sector is not competitive. Behind the low performance of the Ethiopian textile and garment industry, there is also lack of specialized and experienced man power. Therefore, unless a technological improvement of the industry is undertaken, it may not be able to achieve the set objectives The researchers assess the need and application of expert systems in the textile and garment industries. They had also assessed the training programs of both textile and garment industries. As a result, textile and garment industries have not yet applied an expert system, and they have also limited training programs. Therefore, specific training on defect detection is required. In an effort to address such problem, this study recommends to integrate expert system for defect detection of textile faults by designing and developing a prototype. The findings of this research showed 91% (the highest percentage) of the industry workers agreed that a prototype system which considers employee needs shall be constructed. So, the result of this research becomes an input for the prototype system development. Therefore, researches encourage textile and garment industries to implement expert systems.