A hybrid MCDM approach for agile concept selection using fuzzy DEMATEL, fuzzy ANP and fuzzy TOPSIS

Manufacturing organisations are witnessing a transformation in the manufacturing paradigm due to the increasing competition. Agile manufacturing (AM) is an operations concept that is intended to improve the competitiveness of firms. When market conditions are unfavourable, a firm needs to stay competitive in order to function well and remain in good health. In such situations, it becomes essential that an organisation optimises its manufacturing processes so that it would adapt to changes in an unpredictable market scenario and remain competitive. AM principles enable an organisation to sustain in the competitive market scenario. Concept selection for an AM system is a typical multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. In order to enhance the effectiveness of concept selection, a unique combination of fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), fuzzy analytical network process (ANP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used in the study. The study is aimed at selecting the best concept design of an automobile component. The selected design was subjected to implementation in the case organisation.