A fuzzy multi-criteria decision support procedure for enhancing information delivery in extended enterprise networks

Extended enterprise networks, which are information networks comprising enterprises that are mostly geographically dispersed but functionally integrated, are favorable to the creation of a collaborative industrial environment to support supply chain activities and smoothen data exchanges for the production of customized parts as well as products. However, there is a lack of research literature related to the generic approach which can enhance the automatic delivery of the right information to the right enterprise within an entire network. This paper introduces a fuzzy multi-criteria decision support (FMCDS) procedure for enhancing information delivery within extended enterprise networks complemented with a case study in mold and die industry. The FMCDS procedure, based on an analytic hierarchy process, breaks down the complex comparative problem of information receivers into hierarchical multi-criteria decision-making processes. The incorporation with fuzzy set is used to suggest the relative strengths of the corresponding criteria, thereby enabling the construction of a more useful fuzzy judgment procedure to facilitate decision-making. Case study findings indicate that the procedure is helpful to provide key decision support in terms of automatic delivery of desired information to the needed enterprise. By using the suggested novel procedure for push delivery of the needed information to relevant enterprises within an extended enterprise network, the proposed FMCDS procedure provides more alternatives and ideas for supporting effective decision-making in information delivery. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.