Development of computerized decision support system for leanness assessment using multi grade fuzzy approach

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision support system (DSS) for multi grade fuzzy leanness assessment (MGFLA) (DSS-MGFLA). Design/methodology/approach - The assessment of leanness gains vital importance. Due to the drawbacks associated with conventional approaches, fuzzy methods are gaining importance. In this context, multi-grade fuzzy method has been used for leanness assessment. Since the computation is time consuming and error-prone, a computerized DSS known as DSS-MGFLA has been developed. Findings - DSS-MGFLA enables the accurate evaluation of leanness. Besides assessing leanness, DSS also enables the identification of improvement areas. The DSS has been validated in an Indian relays manufacturing organization. Based on the validation, its practical feasibility has been ensured. Research limitations/implications - DSS-MGFLA has been validated in a single manufacturing organization for its working feasibility. But the findings could be extended to similar manufacturing organizations. Originality/value - The idea of developing DSS for leanness assessment is novel, original and unique contribution of authors.