Supplier selection models using fuzzy hybrid methods in the clothing textile industry

Abstract

Application of models for supplier assessment and selection in the clothing industry remains relatively underexplored. To fill this gap, this research study introduces the following fuzzy hybrid models for evaluating and selecting suppliers for clothing manufacturing firms: fuzzy set theory, Analytic Hierarchy Process method–fuzzy-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (AHP–fuzzy-TOPSIS), AHP–fuzzy-Weighted Sum Model (WSM), and AHP–fuzzy-Weighted Product Mean (WPM). Criteria weights were established utilizing these models, which were applied to identify the optimal supplier. A practical study was conducted within a clothing firm to evaluate the effectiveness of these fuzzy hybrid models. The main results reveal that the AHP–fuzzy-TOPSIS model outperforms the AHP–fuzzy-WSM and AHP–fuzzy-WPM models in selecting the optimal alternative. Indeed, this approach has the potential to be adapted to different industrial sectors, considering the specific criteria and conditions that govern their supplying processes.