Neuro Analytical hierarchy process (NAHP) approach for CAD/CAM/CIM tool selection in the context of small manufacturing industries

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology to assist small automobile manufacturing companies of India in selecting CAD/CAM system. The use of these tools in design and manufacturing of automobile applications makes it possible to remove much of the tedium and manual labor work involved. They allow complex designs to be made quicker and accurately. Many companies are using obsolete packages to design and manufacture automobiles. Since technology is changing rapidly and most companies cannot update with the technology advancements. They need to know what CAD/CAM packages are available and how to select one will help the companies. The selection of CAD/CAM/CIM tool/package is multi criteria, multi attribute, decision making process which involve many factors that can be solved using NAHP (Neuro Analytical Hierarchy Process). In NAHP, we are combining the power of AHP and Neural Network. To accomplish this purpose, data have been collected about current CAD/CAM systems. Important criteria for system selection and parameters for selection have also been identified and prioritized. NAHP is used as decision making technique to identify and prioritize important factors for selection of CAD/CAM/CIM system for small automobile manufacturing companies of India.