MCDA Approaches for Automatic Tool Selection in a Cloud-Based Online-CADCOM Platform

The paper examines a cloud-based Online-CADCOM platform integrating multiple available online computer-aided design (CAD) tools. When using it, an expert or a decision-maker needs to choose an appropriate CAD tool (software platform). The task involves a large number of evaluation criteria for tool selection, which build a decision-making space. In this space, a number of alternatives must be evaluated and classified (arranged) according to their importance, for assisting the user (student or designer). The paper diversifies the decision-making methods for tool selection that can be implemented in Online CADCOM. A specific multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method, ensuring in this way the optimal context- and situation-awareness is considered. Applying different approaches, tool selection is illustrated in the benchmark example of analog filter design. The obtained results confirm the feasibility and advantages of including different methods for automatic CAD tool selection in the Cloud-based Online-CADCOM Platform.