Selection of an automated inspection system using multiattribute decision analysis

This paper presents a methodology for selecting the best possible automated inspection device for use in flexible manufacturing systems. The problem has been modelled as that of multicriterion decision making and solved using Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). The study has been completed in two steps. The first step is concerned with the identification of available alternatives, their important attributes and ranking. This was achieved through questionnaires and interviews. The data collected in step 1 were analysed through PROMETHEE in step 2. The output from step 2 yields the optimum decision ranking of the alternatives and sensitivity to process constraints. This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of multicriterion decision making approach for resolving complex decision making problems under constraints.