A Hybrid Interval Type-2 Fuzzy DEMATEL-MABAC Approach for Strategic Failure Management in Automotive Manufacturing

Abstract

In the context of today’s rapidly evolving automotive market, improving the reliability and efficiency of manufacturing processes remains a critical challenge for industry players. This study introduces a hybrid multi-attribute decision-making model that integrates Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) with interval type-2 fuzzy set theory to classify and prioritize process failures. The approach enables the FMEA team to systematically identify and rank failure modes, facilitating the timely implementation of corrective actions aimed at enhancing process reliability. A key feature of the proposed model is the utilization of interval type-2 triangular fuzzy numbers (IT2TFNs), which capture the inherent uncertainty in expert assessments of risk factors (RFs). These fuzzy values are aggregated using the fuzzy harmonic mean, and the total relation matrix is derived by applying fuzzy algebraic operations, followed by defuzzification and distance calculations between fuzzy numbers. The modified Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is employed to determine the relative weights of identified RFs, while the Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) technique is used to rank failure modes based on their impact on manufacturing process reliability. The model’s effectiveness is demonstrated through its application to real-world data from an automotive supply chain, highlighting its superior capability compared to conventional approaches. This research contributes to the advancement of failure management strategies, providing a comprehensive and robust framework for decision-making in complex manufacturing environments.