Expert systems are computer systems which are capable of imitating the reasoning of a human expert within
a particular area of knowledge. This reasoning is used to make decisions which solve problems in a particular
domain. Applications of expert systems to industrial utility equipment have included fault detection and
diagnosis (FDD), automated commissioning and optimisation. Substantial work has been carried out to date in
the application of expert systems to the optimisation of HVAC and refrigeration equipment. This paper outlines
other industrial technologies which display potential for deployment of remotely based expert systems tools for
whole system improvement of operation. An analysis of the suitability of different expert system approaches
toward identification of opportunities for improvement in each technology is detailed.