Fuzzy-logic-based support tools for initial screening of manufacturing reshoring decisions

Purpose This paper investigates the suitability of fuzzy-logic-based support tools for initial screening manufacturing reshoring decisions. Design/methodology/approach Two are developed together with experts from a Swedish firm. The first uses complete rule base and second reduced base. Sixteen inference settings used in both tools. Findings findings show that suitable capable suggesting whether decision should be further evaluated or not, based on six primary competitiveness criteria. In contrast to existing literature this research shows it does not matter is when comes accuracy. perform similarly no statistically significant differences. However, since interpretability much higher require fewer resources develop, tool more preferable purposes. Research limitations/implications implemented at primary-criteria level make them applicable, they also include sub-criteria level. expanded only consider criteria, but other criteria related availability strategic orientation requires regard multi-stage architecture automatic generation fuzzy rules domain. Practical implications help managers invest their scarce time most promising projects timely resilient decisions by taking holistic perspective competitiveness. Practitioners advised choose type available data. Originality/value There general lack addresses gap developing