Integrating intuitionistic fuzzy and MCDM methods for sustainable energy management in smart factories

PLoS One. 2025 Jan 14;20(1):e0315251. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315251. eCollection 2025.

Abstract

Improving energy efficiency is crucial for smart factories that want to meet sustainability goals and operational excellence. This study introduces a novel decision-making framework to optimize energy efficiency in smart manufacturing environments, integrating Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IFS) with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. The proposed approach addresses key challenges, including reducing carbon footprints, managing operating costs, and adhering to stringent environmental standards. Eight essential criteria are identified, such as the use of renewable energy, the efficiency of production, and the health and safety of workers, to evaluate energy performance. Using the entropy method for criterion weighting and the CRADIS technique for alternative ranking, we prioritize a range of energy-efficient solutions. The novelty of our approach lies in its comprehensive assessment of complex real-world energy management scenarios within smart factories, offering a robust and adaptable decision-support tool. Our empirical results, validated through sensitivity analysis, show that alternative 5 delivers the most significant improvement in energy efficiency. This study provides valuable information for industry practitioners seeking to transition to more sustainable production methods and supports the broader sustainability agenda.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Footprint
  • Conservation of Energy Resources / methods
  • Decision Making
  • Decision Support Techniques
  • Fuzzy Logic*
  • Humans
  • Renewable Energy

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (No.2021R1F1A1055408). The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through large group Research Project under grant number RGP2/421/45. This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University project number (PSAU/2024/R/1446). This work was supported by the Researchers Supporting Project Number (MHIRSP2024005) Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This research was supported by the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2025R259), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.