Chapter 2: Frameworks and Reference Models

Title: Application of AHP for PLM Tools Selection

Author(s): S.R. Vengugopalan, L. Prakash Sai, L.S. Ganesh, G. Ramakrishnan

Address: Aeronautical Development Agency (Min. of Defence; Govt. of India) PB No. 1718, Vimanapura Post, Bangalore -17, India | Aeronautical Development Agency (Min. of Defence; Govt. of India) PB No. 1718, Vimanapura Post, Bangalore -17, India | Aeronautical Development Agency (Min. of Defence; Govt. of India) PB No. 1718, Vimanapura Post, Bangalore -17, India | Aeronautical Development Agency (Min. of Defence; Govt. of India) PB No. 1718, Vimanapura Post, Bangalore -17, India

Reference: International Conference on Product Lifecycle Management 2008 pp. 111 - 125

Abstract/Summary: PLM Tool evaluation and selection is a complex process wherein a lot of alternatives need to be considered and trade-off made between multiple decision-making parameters. This paper applies the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a potential decision making method for evaluating and selecting the right PLM tools for the particular organisational context. The AHP implementation steps are simplified and given here, 'Expert Choice' [8] professional software implements AHP. The selection of a PLM tool in an organization is an important process and it has long-lasting effects in the organization. Choosing the wrong tool may lead to total dysfunction of the organizational PLM processes. AHP allows for the application of data, experience, insight, and intuition in a logical and thorough way. AHP enables decision-makers to derive ratio scale priorities or weights as opposed to arbitrarily assigning them. In so doing, AHP not only supports decision-makers by enabling them to structure complexity and exercise judgment, but also allows them to incorporate both objective and subjective considerations in the decision process. Tools evaluation generally done on the basis of the technical capability of the tool, but PLM tools should not be judged by only the technical capability since PLM implementation involves cultural and organization change, this should be approached in a different way considering the existing policies and practices and more importantly the requirements and the attitude of the users. The objective of this paper is to introduce the application of AHP in PLM tools selection. By considering all the above fact, AHP is applied because of it takes care of both qualitative and quantitative factors.

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