A Fuzzy TOPSIS approach in multi-criteria decision making for supplier selection in a pharmaceutical distributor

Supplier selection/evaluation is considered as a critical activity for establishing an effective supply chain. This is particularly relevant to situations where a large number of global suppliers are involved, as is in the case of a pharmaceutical set-up. The current study focuses on a multi-criteria decision making problem which includes both qualitative and quantitative criteria relevant to supplier selection for a pharmaceutical distributor. A range of alternative suppliers were evaluated based on a Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference to Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method considering seven attributes affecting the process of supplier selection. The attributes included some factors which could only be associated with the current case study due to some preferential requirements in the region. The Results indicated that the Fuzzy TOPSIS model can easily but effectively be implemented in such uncertain environments and has the potential to be replicated for other scenarios having similar dynamic operating environment.