Recommendation Ranking Based on AHP Approach for Productivity Improvement in SME Context
Abstract
This work deals with a multi-criteria decision making problem that consists in providing recommendations, which can improve productivity in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) based on measures comparison. This problem is very interesting because it allows SMEs to benefit from the expertise of a panel of experts avoiding pitfalls and bad decisions. On one hand, SMEs must stay competitive. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt efficient productivity improvement using the best methods. On the other hand, it is often necessary to implement facilitators knowing that SMEs do not have enough resources and technological experience to implement several methods. Therefore, how to chose the most important method or measure? This work answers this question and an attempt has been made to compare and rank the well-known measures in Lean Production and Industry 4.0 by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The obtained results show that the top three methods are Design of the value Stream, Continuous Improvement Processes and Material Replenishment, respectively. The on-line platform of the INTERREG Prodpilot project provides access to the proposed recommendations and the obtained ranking.