Analytic Network Process (ANP) Method: A Comprehensive Review of Applications, Advantages, and Limitations

Abstract

Nowadays, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods possess manifold applications in many areas from engineering to supply chain and management. The analytic network process (ANP) method is one of the most widely used MCDM methods. ANP is an extended version of the analytic hierarchy process that enables feedback and interactions between and within clusters, making it a more comprehensive decision-making tool. This paper provides a detailed review of the ANP method, including its concept, process steps, application areas, advantages, and limitations. ANP has been applied to a wide range of decision-making problems, including project management, risk assessment, supplier selection, and product design. ANP's main advantages include its ability to handle complex decision-making problems with multiple criteria, subjective inputs, and interdependent relationships among criteria. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ANP method to help researchers and practitioners make more informed decisions when using this technique.