A decision support system based on artificial neural network and fuzzy analytic network process for selection of machine tools in a flexible manufacturing system

The current article introduces a solution to provide a decision support system (DSS) by combining artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) in order to select the flexible manufacturing system (FMS). In this context, a case study in factory of Tashgaz Company, specialists and MATLAB software are used. Given that today's manufacturing systems are moving toward FMSs, and most of the similar pieces of research have used flexible manufacturing cells and AHP in definite mode, fuzzy numbers were used to compare criteria such as manufacturing rate, manufacturing accuracy, energy consumption, etc. for selecting manufacturing system, and a three-layered ANN was also used to create an expansion motor, and then, FANP was used for systemic selection instead of cell selection. And, the proposed model was implemented in a case study to explain more.