i-DEMATEL method for integrated manufacturing technology selection

Purpose - Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) refers the manufacturing concept based on the use of computers to control and exchange information for the entire production process. As a result, manufacturing can be faster and less error-prone. However, managing and implementing technologies in the CIM environment are challenging processes for managements and manufacturing organizations. These processes become complex and tedious when one is dealing with many decision parameters. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach - This study reports an Interval Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (i-DEMATEL) method for evaluating and selecting the CIM technologies that takes into account management objectives. This method can relieve the limitation of the relationship matrix about the assumption of the symmetrical relationship. As a result, it can solve complicated relationship structure problems. Findings - Based on a survey on the current technologies in manufacturing institutes, a case study is demonstrated to present the application of the model. The i-DEMATEL approach takes into account all decision parameters for evaluating and implementing CIM technologies and shows CNC/DNC technology is the most suitable for this case study. Originality/value - The proposed method mitigates the shortcomings of non-fuzzy and fuzzy methods in pertaining literature.