Fuzzy methods for automated intelligent data analysis

Although fuzzy data analysis has increased in popularity within the research community, this technology is rarely found in industrial solutions. In contrast to fuzzy controllers that were rapidly picked up in the 1990´s this has so far not happened for fuzzy data analysis or fuzzy knowledge-based approaches. We believe this is mainly due to not enough easy to use software being available. Software manufactures in the area of data analysis concentrate on statistical approaches and well-known machine learning approaches like decision trees. Typically, neural networks are the only soft computing technique that is sometimes provided. In order to push fuzzy systems and related technology into industrial data analysis applications we need to provide appropriate software. We have developed an IDA platform that automates the data analysis process to a large extent. It uses fuzzy knowledge bases to match user requirements to features of analysis methods and to select, configure and execute IDA processes automatically. Although the platform can use any type of data analysis method we have focused on soft computing methods.