Product configuration system based on the rule base

Abstract

From the viewpoint of configuration principle, this study introduces the concept of rule base and adopts the Java 2 platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) framework to implement the structure of configuration system. Based on this structure, the configuration rule base is established, in which all configuration rules are encapsulated. Moreover, graphical rule definition interfaces are designed. As a result, this new structure avoids defining or compiling many 'if-then' sentences that are necessary in the traditional rules-based configuration system, which benefits the maintenance and management of the configuration system. By adopting this new structure of configuration system, this study develops a prototype on the web for the customisation configuration of electric cookers. Application of this system shows that configuration system, based on the rule base, could be maintained and managed easily and run with more efficiency.