Integrated fuzzy AHP-CODAS framework for maintenance decision in urea fertilizer industry

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel integrated MCDM (multi-criteria decision-making) framework based on fuzzy AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and a new fuzzy CODAS (Combinative Distance Based Assessment) approaches for solving the maintenance decision problem in a process industry. Under fuzzy AHP, a hierarchy structure related to the decision problem has been developed and the weights for different criteria and sub-criteria were computed using Geometric Mean (GM) method. These weights are further included in fuzzy CODAS approach to obtain the final ranking of the considered alternative maintenance strategies. Sensitivity analysis has also been performed for investigating the stability and validation of the proposed framework. The proposed framework was employed for selecting an optimal maintenance strategy for an Ammonia Synthesis Unit (ASU) of a urea fertilizer industry located in North India.