IWA - Intelligent Workstation Architecture

IWA is a framework for development of performance support applications. It integrates knowledge bases, hypertext documents, active forms and databases in a highly interactive environment. Applications of IWA are ideally suited for service providers dealing with a complex information flow and decision processes. IWA enables the user to lead a consultation in particular domain with the ability to change previously given information and perform what-if analysis. One prototype application of IWA was initially developed in response to the needs of enquiry officers at Revenue Canada Taxation. Knowledge bases with taxation rules, hypertext guides, and electronic forms were implemented.

Hypertext Documents

Currently, most of the support to decision makers within organizations is based on documents. IWA allows access to those documents with the added navigational power of hypertext. Topics can be connected with other relevant ones, definitions of terms and keyword search are available on the spot. The most important thing about hypertext documents in IWA is that they are connected in context to electronic forms and knowledge bases.

Electronic Forms

Structured data entry is vital for the interchange of data between an organization and its customers, as well as within the organization itself. Electronic forms are integral part of IWA. They can be integrated with database management systems in a client-server environment. All information entered in electronic forms is processed by the knowledge bases and vice versa. Forms can be printed or delivered through EDI.

Knowledge Bases

The heart of IWA is the knowledge based decision support. Rules and procedures of a particular domain are represented in the system and the inference mechanisms enable the user to lead a comprehensive consultation to reach certain decisions. The ability to perform what-if analysis significantly enhances the value of the provided service. The backtracking permits a full automatic re-evaluation of facts and resolutions if the previously given information changes. A complete history of each consultation is maintained.

BCPN Inference Engine

The BCPN inference engine is a separate software component. BCPN is especially designed for very large knowledge bases and highly interactive consultations, requiring non-monotonic reasoning. The fast inferencing gives sub-second response times even with large knowledge bases.

Open Design

IWA's fully object-oriented design enables modularity and flexibility. Existing systems can be integrated within an IWAapplication. New functionality can be added to enhance the delivery capabilities of the service provider. Transparent integration with databases, mainframe processing systems, word-processors, spreadsheets, and electronic mail is provided.

Knowledge Engineering Services

Sirma AI offers services to process all documentation develop electronic forms and create knowledge bases for the client. That processing service is an interaction between Sirma AI's knowledge engineers and the domain experts of the client. Knowledge is mostly extracted from documentation and only clarification and resolution of inconsistencies require involvement of domain experts. That enables very high productivity of knowledge engineering and a working knowledge base with lower investment than traditional methods allow.