Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Research (GJETR) · Research article · Open access
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for the Strategic Selection of Digital Manufacturing Machines
Tsapi T. Kevin
1 December 2025 · Vol. 1, Issue 4, pp. 167-173
DOI: 10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01
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What is this article about?
Fab Labs and digital manufacturing equipment represent a transformative approach for enhancing manufacturing capabilities in low-income settings. However, the proliferation of alternative machines and rapid technological advancement create significant challenges for digital entrepreneurs.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 1 December 2025
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 1, Issue 4, pp. 167-173
- ISSN
- 3051-3782 (online) · 3051-3774 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
Fab Labs and digital manufacturing equipment represent a transformative approach for enhancing manufacturing capabilities in low-income settings. However, the proliferation of alternative machines and rapid technological advancement create significant challenges for digital entrepreneurs. The selection of an appropriate machine is essential to achieve optimal results in digital manufacturing. This study develops a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework to strategically select digital manufacturing equipment, addressing key barriers of equipment selection and funding constraints in resource-limited environments. Through a structured methodology combining literature-based criteria identification, expert consultations, and hierarchical decision modeling, the proposed framework comprises three sequential steps: problem structuring, MCDM technique selection, and decision reporting. Our findings highlight critical equipment selection criteria, including accessibility and procurement efficiency, performance, power usage efficiency, and community impact. The MCDM framework enables informed procurement decisions and identifies strategies to cultivate a maker culture essential for community empowerment. By offering practical guidance for optimizing equipment procurement in Fab Labs, this research enhances operational capacity and fosters innovation and resilience in low-income settings, ultimately contributing to broader socio-economic benefits.
Keywords: Fab lab, Technological entrepreneurship, Developing country, AHP, Fuzzy AHP, TOPSIS
Cite this article
Tsapi T. Kevin (2025). Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for the Strategic Selection of Digital Manufacturing Machines. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 1(4), 167-173. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01
@article{Tsapi2025,
title = {Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for the Strategic Selection of Digital Manufacturing Machines},
author = {Tsapi T. Kevin},
journal = {Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Research},
year = {2025},
volume = {1},
number = {4},
pages = {167-173},
doi = {10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Tsapi T. Kevin.
Where and when was it published?
In Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, Volume 1, Issue 4, pages 167-173, published by EP Journals Group on 1 December 2025.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Tsapi T. Kevin (2025). Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for the Strategic Selection of Digital Manufacturing Machines. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 1(4), 167-173. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-gjetr/V1E4/2025-01
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