Multi-attribute analysis of flexible manufacturing systems via simulation

This article describes an application to a real-life problem with a recently developed multiattribute decision analysis. Simulation is used for introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies. Multiattribute decision techniques seem to provide an easily understood, yet comprehensive, set of quantitative and qualitative approaches to justify advanced manufacturing systems. Much has been written about the use of multiattribute decision application models to evaluate manufacturing technologies. A simulation approach is developed for the design of a manufacturing system. Based upon these models, the qualitative and quantitative multiattribute factors of the manufacturing system are evaluated. A new proposal is made to achieve a high level of productivity of plant and minimize the makespan and cost of production. An experimental comparison is performed into the effectiveness of the proposed system through a real life case study.