Lean tool selection in a die casting unit: a fuzzy-based decision support heuristic

• Published in: International journal of production research Vol. 44; no. 7; pp. 1399 - 1429
• Main Authors: Singh, R. K., Kumar, S., Choudhury, A. K., Tiwari, M. K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis Group 01-04-2006; Washington, DC Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Analytical hierarchy process; Applied sciences; Case studies; Decision making; Decision theory. Utility theory; Exact sciences and technology; Fuzzy logic; Group decision making; Heuristic; Inventory control, production control. Distribution; Lean manufacturing; Multi attribute utility theory; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Studies; Value stream mapping; Group decision making; Lean production; Decision support system; Lean manufacturing; Decision making; Analytic hierarchy process; Value stream mapping; Social decision; Fuzzy logic; Utility theory; Multi attribute utility theory; Manufacturing process; Heuristic method; Analytical hierarchy process; Production process
• ISSN: 0020-7543; 1366-588X
• DOI: 10.1080/00207540500272980

Lean manufacturing philosophy asks for elimination of wastes hidden in the manufacturing system by focusing on product value stream and eliminating non-value adding activities through continuous improvement efforts. Value stream mapping methodology is subjected to principles of continuous improvement in order to improve the productivity of the process and quality of the product. It provides various tools for data collection and analysis, and identifies the wastes occurring in different stages of manufacturing process. The role of value stream mapping is very important in the identification and subsequently reduction of the wastes. To select the detailed mapping tools for the identification of waste at micro level is a complex decision making problem. In this paper, a case study related to a die casting unit has been taken. A hierarchy related to the decision problem has been developed to select the value stream mapping tools. Here, a fuzzy logic based multi-preference, multi-criteria, and multi-person decision making heuristic has been developed to solve a problem pertaining to above case study. The proposed methodology enjoys logical support from existing decision making tools and pertinently maps the inside details of the underlying problem.