A hybrid-fuzzy-decision-making framework for digital technologies selection

Abstract

In the era of Industry X.0, manufacturers are increasingly adopting digital technologies such as robotics, big data, mobile communications, and information technology to enhance productivity and profitability. However, navigating this digital revolution presents significant challenges, particularly in selecting the most suitable technologies amidst uncertainties and the lack of precise quantitative data. Fuzzy logic, initially introduced to manage vagueness and imprecision, has proven to be an essential tool in various domains for handling these uncertainties. However, as systems and environments become more complex, traditional fuzzy logic exhibits limitations in effectively representing and managing deeper levels of uncertainty. This realization has driven the development of several extensions to fuzzy logic, designed to address challenges associated with uncertainty representation. Yet, a central question remains: Which fuzzy logic extension is the most relevant for better dealing with uncertainty? This study introduces a hybrid-fuzzy decision-making framework for technology selection, which allows for more than one representation of fuzzy information. Using a multi-expert, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) strategy, the study seeks to support organizations in selecting the most suitable digital technology for their operations, particularly when precise quantitative data is unavailable, and decisions must rely on expert opinions. The suggested framework is designed to handle decision-makers' hesitancy, subjectivity, and ambiguity in the decision-making process. To showcase the practical application of the proposed methodology, a case study was conducted to select appropriate technologies in the Moroccan automotive sector. The results demonstrate that, regardless of the fuzzy logic extension used, digital automation and automatic identification consistently rank among the top technologies, underscoring their importance according to most experts. Our proposed approach is particularly effective in resolving conflicts between different fuzzy logic extensions, thereby facilitating the ranking of the remaining technologies. Notably, additive manufacturing ranked third, followed by the other technologies.