A Decision Support System for Assessing Fresh Fruit Suppliers for Fruit-Processing Companies: An Application of Hierarchical Clustering Analysis

Abstract

The objectives of this research covers: 1) synthesizing and standardizing criteria for the evaluation of fresh fruit suppliers for fruit processing manufacturers; and 2) developing a decision support system for assessing those suppliers. Information providers comprised fruit processing companies in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. A pairwise ranking survey was used to explore respondents’ perceptions and to analyze essential elements for the supplier evaluation. Hierarchical analysis method was used for decision making. Through pairwise comparison, the analytical hierarchy process brought out preference information and assigned weights for specific items. Considering supplier selection criteria, quality aspect demonstrated the highest preference weight. (0.489), followed by the aspects of time (0.281), price (0.149), and credibility (0.081) respectively. The sub-criteria with the most significant weights were these dimensions: non-perishable and clean fruits. (0.291), convenient and fast service (0.166), market equilibrium, with no shortage of goods (0.155) and reasonable price (0.103). The sub-criteria with weights below 0.1 were revealed as follows: delivery service, sales representative customer service, route and distance in transportation, supplier accreditation, favorable terms with procurement supplier negotiations, multichannel/ omnichannel contact centers, payment terms, along with modes of transportation in logistics.