Supplier selection: a fuzzy-ANP approach

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to develop a framework to support the supplier selection process in an Iranian automotive industry. Although numerous criteria are being used for the selection of suitable supplier, selection of the critical factors in conformance to the specification of the automotive industries is less investigated. In order to fill this gap, this research was carried out to systematically propose a framework comprising of the most critical factors for the aim of supplier selection. A literature survey was conducted and measures for assessing the suppliers were extracted. Nominated Group Technique (NGT) was deployed to extract the most critical performance measures from the initial list. Seven measures were found to be proper for the supplier selection process. A Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (FANP) was then proposed to weight the extracted measures and determine their importance level. The model was then implemented to assist an automotive company for the aim of its supplier selection.