Evaluation of CIM technologies in Saudi industries using AHP

Successful implementation of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) technologies offers manufacturing organizations numerous benefits (both tangible and intangible). The evaluation and selection process of these technologies is a very complex task due to the many parameters involved that should be taken into consideration during the selection process. In this research, a number of Saudi industries were surveyed to evaluate their current CIM technologies. Future plans regarding the implementation of such technologies are also investigated. This research also presents a decision support system (DSS) for the evolution and selection of CIM technologies, taking into consideration the requirements of manufacturing industries. This is done to ensure that the selected technologies comply with the objectives of these companies. Depending on the emerged results, a multi-attribute decision-making approach (analytical hierarchy process - AHP) is used. A computerized tool CIMAHP (selection of CIM technologies using AHP) is developed to simplify the application of the suggested DSS. Developed tools are tested and demonstrated using a real case study.