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Enhancement of mail operational performance of India post facility layout using AHP

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Abstract

The paper intends to evaluate the facility layout design (FLD) models using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. FLD focuses on streamlining the workflow and increasing productivity. This study examines how the model can help to find out the optimum layout to improve the production metrics through improving operations and the working environment attributes. In this study, seven layout designs have been discussed under critical parameters of optimal layouts such as cost (operation and flexibility) and working environment (safety, facilities, and control). This case study FLD conducted in national sorting hub, Mangalore, and Karnataka State in the southern part of India. Empirical results show that the AHP method is one of the promising ways to solve the FLD problem.

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Abbreviations

ALDEP:

Automated layout design program

AHP:

Analytic hierarchy process

BWM:

Best–worst method

CAD:

Computer aided design/drafting

CI:

Consistency index

CORELAP:

Computerized relative layout planning

CR:

Consistency ratio

CRAFT:

Computerized relative allocation of facilities technique

DM:

Decision maker

DoE:

Design of experiment

DEA:

Data envelopment analysis

ELECTRE:

Elimination et choice translating reality

FLD:

Facility layout design

GA:

Genetic algorithm

GRA:

Grey relational analysis

MADM:

Multi-attribute decision making

MCDM:

Multi-criteria decision making

MNOP:

Mail network optimization project

MOORA:

Multi-objective optimization on the basis

NLP:

Non-linear programming

NSH:

National sorting hub

PROMETHEE:

Preference ranking organization method

REL:

Relationship chart

RI:

Randomized index

SAW:

Simple additive weighting

TD:

Town delivery (local mails)

TOPSIS:

Technique for order preference by similarity

VIKOR:

VlseKriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje in serbian

\( {\mathbf{\gimel }}\hbox{max} \) :

Maximum Eigen value

aij:

The normalized value of ith criterion for the jth alternative

ajk:

The normalized value of jth criterion for the ith alternative

W:

Weight set

Ai:

The number of alternatives for a certain MCDM problem

n:

The number of criteria for a certain MCDM problem

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the valuable support and co-operation extended by India Post authorities, especially the Post Master General, South Karnataka Region, India and the Authorities of NSH Mangalore Speed post services. This research work as the approval of the jurisdictions mentioned above. The authors are immensely grateful to the reviewers for their insights and suggestions in improving the quality and value of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Management, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, 575025, India

    Vadivel Sengazhani Murugesan, A. H. Sequeira & Deeksha Sanjay Shetty

  2. Operations and Supply Chain Management, Indian Institute of Management Jammu, Canal Road, Jammu, 180016, India

    Sunil Kumar Jauhar

Authors
  1. Vadivel Sengazhani Murugesan
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  2. A. H. Sequeira
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  3. Deeksha Sanjay Shetty
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  4. Sunil Kumar Jauhar
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Correspondence to Vadivel Sengazhani Murugesan.

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Appendix

Appendix

See Tables 7 and 8.

Table 7 Saaty rating scale [1–9]
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Table 8 Pairwise comparison matrix for efficient mail flow sub-criteria
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Sengazhani Murugesan, V., Sequeira, A.H., Shetty, D.S. et al. Enhancement of mail operational performance of India post facility layout using AHP. Int J Syst Assur Eng Manag 11, 261–273 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13198-019-00854-1

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