Analytical Hierarchy Process overview

Learning objectives

• Explain the purpose of analytical hierarchy process overview in a garment-factory improvement project.
• Apply the described method to a representative shop-floor situation.
• Recognize the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Concept

AHP structures a complex choice through pairwise comparisons of criteria and alternatives, exposing inconsistency.

Goal sits above criteria, subcriteria, and alternatives; pairwise judgments produce normalized weights.

High inconsistency signals judgments need review, not that AHP failed.

Garment-factory example

Select an inspection technology using detection performance, false alarms, speed, integration, cost, skill, and data governance.

Method

1. Build hierarchy.
2. Compare pairs on a consistent 1–9 scale.
3. Compute normalized priorities in a free spreadsheet.
4. Review consistency ratio.
5. Test sensitivity to weight changes.

Common mistakes

• Using too many near-duplicate criteria that double-count.
• Presenting subjective weights as objective truth.