Use of goal programing and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process to obtain the product mix

Abstract

This study proposes a methodology that integrates Weighted Goal Programing with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to obtain the product mix in a multi-bottleneck system. The problem is approached by analysing a case of a company that manufactures four products that must pass through six workstations. The opinion of four specialists involved in the decision is considered and goals are set contemplating profit maximisation, the balance between workstations, exploitation of bottleneck resources and customer satisfaction. The prioritisation of these objectives is obtained through the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. This methodology takes into account the uncertainty in the evaluation of the experts. From its application, a single crisp vector is obtained, which is transformed into the weights of the goals. The result is a product mix that satisfies the goals, corresponding to the experts' opinions.