Title: Use of a modified analytic hierarchy process in selecting push, pull or hybrid systems for material control

Authors: Jafar Razmi, Pervaiz K. Ahmed

Addresses: Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, PO Box 11365-4563, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Wolverhampton Business School, Shropshire Campus, Shifna Road, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9NT, UK

Abstract: Many organisations keep thousands of items in their warehouses, which at times may be in excess of 50% of all the company|s expenses. Each item typically possesses its own unique characteristics, since it will typically have been sourced from different suppliers. Under these circumstances, it may not be rational or economical to deal with each item via a generic material control system (either push or pull system). This paper presents a multi-criteria approach that utilises the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The paper proposes a modified AHP, such that it is able to classify the materials and components for different Material Planning and Control Systems (MPCS), i.e. Kanban, MRP, hybrid, and Re-Order Point (ROP) Systems. This modified AHP is better at rising to the challenge of diversity of material characteristics in deriving an optimal decision for MPCS system selection.

Keywords: modified AHP; material planning control; decision making; analytical hierarchy process; kanban; MRP; push-pull systems; reorder point systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2003.003410

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.5 No.3, pp.262 - 278

Published online: 06 Sep 2003 *

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