A web-based methodology for convergent product fuzzy networks using the Steiner tree.

An important manufacturing technology spectrum is to consider rapid and sensitive assemblies through convergent product (CP) in digital environment. We integrate functions and sub-functions using a comprehensive mathematical optimization process. To form the CP, a web-based fuzzy network is considered in which a collection of base functions and sub-functions configure the nodes and each arc in the network is to be a link between two nodes. The aim is to find an optimal tree of functionalities in the network adding value to the product in the web environment. First, a purification process is performed in the product network to assign the links among bases and sub-functions. Then, fuzzy numbers as benefits, costs and customers' value are determined. Next, the fuzzy Steiner tree methodology is adapted to a multi-objective model of the network to find the optimal tree determining the value adding sub-functions to bases in a CP. A new fuzzy multi-objective optimization is developed to work out the problem. Finally, an example is worked out to illustrate the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]