A distance function approach to multi‐response optimisation in determining optimal factor setting

In multi‐response optimisation problems the objective is to determine the optimal settings of factors (or process variables) which will simultaneously optimise several responses. But most of the methods those are already developed determine the optimal alternative, not the optimal factor setting. Also, they are quite dependent on the response type. This paper addresses a new method to find the best alternative using the concept of heterogeneous distance function. Moreover, this method provides a way to determine the optimal factor setting for the true alternative without neglecting the potential interactions among the factors. The new method is robust, easy to understand and requires less information. Two real‐life problems have been solved using the proposed method. Performance of the proposed method is compared with existing methods and with experimental data.