The use of multi criteria decision making method in selection of terminal operating systems in ports

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods in selecting the most suitable Terminal Operating System (TOS) for the operating conditions of ports and terminals, through a sample application. In this study, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (IT2F AHP) method is adapted to evaluate the decision variables for Terminal Operating System (TOS) selection in port managements under uncertainty. As a result of a detailed literature review and brain storm study, evaluating criteria covering the dimensions of technical-functional performance, operational compatibility, economic feasibility, sustainability and technical infrastructure have been defined. The decision criteria were modelled in form of pairwise comparison matrices using IT2F fuzzy linguistic variables; consistency checks, fuzzy weighting and defuzzification steps are reported in detail in the study. The study of the sample application showed that criteria targeting operational efficiency have the highest priority in TOS selection and the most suitable TOS software was determined based on the weights of these criterias. The study presents the first holistic application model of IT2F AHP for TOS selection in the context of ports, integrating the criteria, which are scattered in the literature, into a hierarchical structure. Accordingly, it is aimed that port managers adopt an academic, systematic and technical evaluation process instead of initiative-based approaches in their TOS selections to make accurate and sustainable choices. This study, focusing on the digitalization of port enterprises operating in the logistic sector, offers an orginal contribution by filling a gap in the literature in this area of expertise.