LIMITATIONS OF EXPERT SYSTEMS

Expert System is not the result of a one-shot development. It is subjected to an iterative
process of problem identification and refinement. Once the system is found to be working
satisfactorily, it is implemented for consultation and decision-making. Some of the limitations of
expert system are:

1. It is difficult to extract expertise from human experts and hence the knowledge base may not be complete. 
2. Each problem situation is different from problem to problem. Hence, the solution suggested by a human expert is bound to be different from expert system solution.
3. Expert system is effective in solving specific problems in narrow domains. It fails in properly analyzing problems in a larger area and in suggesting solutions.
4. The cost and time required for developing expert system are very high. Hence, expert system is not affordable for most firms.
5. Expert systems are expensive to build and maintain. In many cases the system has to be developed for the organization. If packages are installed they may have to be customized for the requirement of the organization.
6. It is impossible to build any useful expert system as the expert system cannot capture all the assumptions on which real-life decisions are based.
7. It takes long period of time to develop and fine tune an expert system. 
8. Large expert systems are difficult to develop and maintain.