The Portfolio Examination and Selection of Raw Material Suppliers, Based on Lean or Agile

The aim of this study was to determine the importance of agility and lean criteria in selecting the supplier of ceramic tiles’ raw materials for paints and glazes in active companies of Najaf Abad city, as well as the ranking the suppliers. In this study, first, the related literature in the field of supplier’s selection based on agility and lean was reviewed. Then, a conceptual model of agility and lean criteria and sub-criteria was presented. For data analysis experts’ ideas were used. In addition, to analyze the data, the weight of each criteria and sub criteria of agility and leanness was gained through the method of analysis of hierarchical process (AHP) and to rank the suppliers of each company, the TOPSIS method was applied. According to the obtained data, the most important sub criteria were warranty and replacement policy, capability of R and D and innovation, and product durability, the other criteria gained the other places in ranking. Focusing on both agility and leanness criteria of suppliers reduce costs and enhance product quality and increase the speed and flexibility in changing needs of the market, which is an important issue in today's constantly changing and growing markets. In this study, we aimed to combine the agility and leanness criteria in selecting the suppliers in order to reach higher speed in responding to the market’s changes, meeting the costumers’ needs and higher quality of production in the local and international markets. Moreover, it was also intended to decrease the cost of manufacturing operations and reduce delays in the delivery of goods to the consumer.