The application of fuzzy analytic network process in supplier selection based on the connection number

Supplier selection is a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, and its complexity is further aggravated if the highly important interdependence among the selection criteria is taken into consideration. Aimed at this correlation between the various attributes, a method of fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) based on the connection number is proposed. Using triangular fuzzy numbers to evaluate the mutual importance between the various criteria, a hybrid network structure model is developed, then according to characteristics of the triangular fuzzy numbers-the relative certainty median value and uncertainty upper and lower value, using set pair analysis to transform the triangular fuzzy number into connection number. Finally, an example is given to explain the feasibility and availability of this method.