Application of Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and TOPSIS Method for Material Supplier Selection

Abstract

Materials account for a significant proportion of engineering and construction projects budget. Therefore, selecting appropriate material supplier criteria is a critical economic decision, and it plays a significant role in the success of any engineering and construction firms. Traditional supplier evaluating decision-making methods are usually based on subjective opinions of experts, resulting in irrational and inappropriate decisions. This paper proposes a quantitative model for selecting a material supplier by using the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process and TOPSIS method. In this model, the material supplier selection criteria are weighted by using Group Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (GFANP). Then material suppliers are ranked using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The proposed decision-making model can provide a robust approach for solving material supplier selection problems.