A Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Evaluating the Influence of Industry 4.0 Technologies on Manufacturing Strategies

Abstract

Manufacturing is transitioning from traditional and mass manufacturing to mass personalization, fast, and intelligent production. Through full automation in various fields and data sharing, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) contributes to the digitalization of manufacturing by enhancing industrial flexibility and product customization. I4.0 is being utilized as a strategy for advanced manufacturing to counter global competitiveness. A company’s manufacturing strategy outputs (MSOs) are critical to its ability to move forward and remain competitive. Despite their importance, I4.0 technologies have received less attention in the literature, and it is unclear how they influence MSOs. Thus, this study aims to build a powerful hybrid MCDM method for ranking the influence of I4.0 technologies on MSOs by adopting a combination of AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS. The application of fuzzy set theory has addressed the ambiguity in comparing various I4.0 technologies. The AHP was used to calculate the weights of criteria and sub-criteria, and the fuzzy-TOPSIS method was utilized to rank the I4.0 technologies. The results revealed that the cost criterion is the most critical factor when implementing I4.0 technologies. In contrast, additive manufacturing (AM) is the most suitable I4.0 technology for countering global competition.