A multi-criteria decision making approach for machine tool selection problem in a fuzzy environment

Abstract

Tools and machines have an important effect on the manufacturing operations' effectiveness and the selection process of appropriate tools and machines is a complex issue with the consideration of multiple criteria. Considering the complexity of the problem area and the difficulties in machine tools evaluation processes, the main purpose of this study is to present a novel and effective methodology for machine tool selection problem. The proposed methodology constituted for this aim combines the modified DELPHI method, AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluations) approaches with fuzzy sets theory to be able to reflect the vagueness related to judgment of the decision-maker(s). A real life application is realized for pressing machine selection problem of a fixing products manufacturer from Turkey, Istanbul. The results of the proposed approach are compared with the results of fuzzy AHP–fuzzy TOPSIS approach. Additionally, sensitivity analyses are realized to show the changes in the results with the change in the criteria weights. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.