An Integrated Approach of Fuzzy Linguistic Preference Based AHP and Fuzzy COPRAS for Machine Tool Evaluation

Huu-Tho Nguyen,Keith Case,Yusoff Nukman,Siti Zawiah Md Dawal,Hideki Aoyama,Yong Deng

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0133599

Huu-Tho Nguyen, Keith Case + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133599

Copy DOI

Abstract

Globalization of business and competitiveness in manufacturing has forced companies to improve their manufacturing facilities to respond to market requirements. Machine tool evaluation involves an essential decision using imprecise and vague information, and plays a major role to improve the productivity and flexibility in manufacturing. The aim of this study is to present an integrated approach for decision-making in machine tool selection. This paper is focused on the integration of a consistent fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and a fuzzy COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) for multi-attribute decision-making in selecting the most suitable machine tool. In this method, the fuzzy linguistic reference relation is integrated into AHP to handle the imprecise and vague information, and to simplify the data collection for the pair-wise comparison matrix of the AHP which determines the weights of attributes. The output of the fuzzy AHP is imported into the fuzzy COPRAS method for ranking alternatives through the closeness coefficient. Presentation of the proposed model application is provided by a numerical example based on the collection of data by questionnaire and from the literature. The results highlight the integration of the improved fuzzy AHP and the fuzzy COPRAS as a precise tool and provide effective multi-attribute decision-making for evaluating the machine tool in the uncertain environment.

Highlights

The globalization of business has required companies to be more productive and competitive
To overcome the limitations of the fuzzy AHP technique, this paper introduces the integration of a consistent fuzzy AHP and fuzzy COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) for machine tool selection
The AHP is a multi-criteria decision making technique that allows the decision-makers to structure the decision issues based on pairwise comparisons and expert’s judgments [40, 41]

Summary

Introduction

The globalization of business has required companies to be more productive and competitive. The decision for procurement of new machines should be carefully made since inappropriate selection of machineries can negatively affect the overall performance of system operations in terms of productivity, precision, flexibility, adaptability and responsiveness [1]. This decision-making procedure involves the process of selecting the most appropriate solution among a set of numerous alternatives [2]. It is a time-consuming procedure, and achieving the optimal solution is difficult to be obtained.

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion