Manufacturing application of case-based reasoning

The authors developed a computer system that used case-based reasoning to assist in the preparation of bids for manufactured parts. The system, Bidder´s Associate, was developed within a business unit of a small manufacturer of jet engine parts. The approach was to study the decision processes of experienced engineers in preparing bids and then to develop a system to support these engineers. Bidder´s Associate allows the engineer to look through previous work experience to see if the company had either manufactured or bid a part that was similar to the current case. Any information pertaining to the similar part can be modified for use in the current case. The developers examined the company history to produce a case base which was extensive without being archaic. Early evaluation has been positive. the prototype has been in daily use at the test site and has been slightly modified for use at a machine shop at Wright-Patterson AFB