Analytic Network Process as a Tool of Innovative Management at Manufacturing Technology Selection

This chapter deals with the analytic network process as a tool of innovative management at manufacturing technology selection. It is a multi-criteria analysis at which the most appropriate method is nominated within given conditions. In the presented research, nine unconventional methods dedicated for the disintegration of special composite material have been considered. Special features of these advanced methods are defined in this chapter, as well as a sequence of steps used in analytic network process related to the technology choice. Firstly, a hierarchical structure of individual technologies with their criteria and sub-criteria has been prepared and they have been pairwise compared. Final values have been recalculated using the degrees of importance and final weights, while the resulting matrix has been developed. The interdependencies and linkages between the various criteria of each technology have also been described in the manuscript. Results have shown that the most suitable method for cutting of investigated composite material appears to be the technology of pulsating water jet.