ABSTRACT: Today, a second generation of computer-based reengineering tools em-ploys knowledge systems technology to automate and support key intellectual activi-ties required for effective process redesign. But a central question remains as to the effectiveness of redesign through such knowledge systems. The research described in this paper is focused on testing the effectiveness of knowledge-based, process-rede-sign systems. We employ one such system, called "KOPeR-lite," as a platform for experimentation to assess the relative efficacy of redesigns generated by computer versus those developed by people. In this sense, we conduct a modified Turing Test to compare redesign performance of reengineering analysts with that of the knowledge system. KOPeR-lite performs comparatively well in certain respects, but human sub-jects outperform the machine in others. The results provide evidence to support claims of redesign efficacy through knowledge systems, and they offer insight into the rela-tive strengths and weaknesses of people and software applications in the reengineering domain. This study further opens up new lines of research and highlights implica-tions for process redesign and practice, including issues associated with leading adop-tion of knowledge system technology and extension of redesign automation systems such as KOPeR-lite
Key words and phrases: business process reengineering , expert systems , knowledge systems , process redesign