The number 3 block is a data input interface. This allows the expertise to be entered into the knowledgebase by the expert or a knowledge engineer. The number 4 block, a user interface, allows a user to consult the expert system. One speaker commented that expert systems are one way to convert corporate knowledge into corporate assets. A very strong benefit of expert systems is being able to widely distribute the knowledge of a single expert, or being able to accumulate in one place the knowledge of several widely separated experts.
Expertise is divided among several experts.
Expertise is required in a harsh environment. Your expert is retiring. Expert systems are especially helpful when a task is performed only occasionally and the expert has to relearn the procedure each time it is performed. Use expert systems to standardize operations. These systems can be used to train employees, advise them, or can actually perform a task such as a calculation.