Investigating cross-docking criteria for raw materials with hybrid MCDM

incoming vehicles and immediately loading them onto outgoing
vehicles. This can greatly improve supply chain operations and
expedite transportation to the factory. By minimizing warehouse
storage expenses, space requirements, and inventory management,
the process can be streamlined effectively. In industries where
production profiles need to be responsive to market demands, the
location of the cross-docking facility and transportation planning are
crucial. This article aims to investigate the criteria for selecting a
cross-docking location, using a case study of Arta Profile Company
in Ardabil. The research population includes all industrial engineers
and production planners in the company, with 10 industry experts
selected for this study. The analytic network process (ANP) and grey
complex proportional assessment (COPRAS-G) methods were used
to compare and prioritize cross-docking locations. Additionally, the
fuzzy DEMATEL method was used to determine the strength of
connections between different locations. The COPRAS-G approach
helps decision-makers make informed decisions by evaluating
different options and their importance. The industry experts
identified 28 criteria for this study. The results from the network
analysis method showed that the most important criterion is the
vehicle routing problem (VRP), with a value of 0.46. According to
the ANP technique, strategic decision-making is the best option. The
fuzzy DEMATEL method revealed that distribution centers are the
most important factor, followed by reduced delivery/distribution
operations, and finally, the cost of late or early delivery.