A new Fuzzy AHP method for the Evaluation of Automated Manufacturing Systems

The decision on production system acquisition for the automotive industry is very critical, given the number of different aspects to be considered. Indeed different automated solutions are feasible and evaluation techniques that take into account all the critical issues are needed to make a selection. In this paper a complete, precise and value driven Decision Support System is presented to support the selection of the best Automated Manufacturing System. The evaluation problem is solved using a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method able to manage uncertainty and to consider productivity and flexibility issues. Economic and financial performance and the effects on human resources due to the investment decision are also investigated.