Abstract
Under the trend toward e-business, the enterprise documents are transformed from the paper-based format into the electronic one. In most cases, the electronic documents are simply stored in the document repository. Owing to the high computing accuracy and efficiency, personal computers can be used to assist domain experts in document authentication tasks (e.g., the decision making and processes control). Previous research focuses more on document authentication processes without branches. The characteristic of concurrent engineering (CE) is almost ignored in the document authentication issues. In the enterprise knowledge sharing environment, knowledge validation or authentication is carried out through a collaboration network. Concerning the enterprise operation requirements, this research develops a heuristic model for concurrent authentication process determination based on existing authentication history. According to the reasoned authentication process, the time required for document authentication can also be estimated for better time management and process control. On the other hand, by using the model, suggestions for document revision can also be provided to the applicants for efficient modification. In addition to the reasoning model, this research develops a web-based document authentication information management system and performance of the prototype system is also evaluated via a demonstration case. In summary, by application of proposed approach, document authentication related information including the authentication process, authentication time and revision suggestions can be determined efficiently and automatically.