Overview of Existing Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Methods Used in Industrial Environments

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate technological process is essential to achieve optimal results in manufacturing companies. This affects quality, efficiency and competitiveness. In the modern industry, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are increasingly used to evaluate, optimize and solve various manufacturing challenges. In this review article, existing methodologies and patents related to optimization and decision making are investigated. The main characteristics and applications of the methods are outlined. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review and evaluation of the main MCDM methods used in industrial practice, including through an analysis of relevant methodologies and patents. The methodology involves a structured literature and patent review, focusing on applications of widely used MCDM techniques such as the AHP (analytic hierarchy process), ANP (analytic network process), FUCOM (full consistency method), TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution), and VIKOR (višekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje). The analysis outlines each method’s strengths, limitations and areas of applicability. Special attention is given to the potential of the FUCOM for process evaluation in manufacturing. The findings are intended to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate decision-making tools based on specific industrial contexts and objectives. In conclusion, from the comparative analysis made, the methodologies reveal their advantages and disadvantages as well as limitations that arise in their application.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Technologies, 2025 · DOI ↗