Evaluation of maintenance strategies using Pythagorean fuzzy sets: a novel model for time-constrained processes

Considering the large investment cost as well as expectations such as increased awareness of occupational safety and quality, choosing the appropriate maintenance strategy emerges as a critical decision. Time-constrained production processes, which demand defect-free production within a limited timeframe, intensify the significance of this selection problem. In such production processes, the product is generally short-lived, so stocking is not possible. Therefore, halting operations incurs significant costs. In this study, we aim to choose the most appropriate maintenance planning strategy for time-constrained processes. Given that the process of selecting a maintenance strategy is ambiguous and lacks conclusive assessments, it involves numerous hazy criteria. Thus, this study presents a framework that includes the Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP-CRITIC-Entropy combined weighting method hybridized with Pythagorean Fuzzy WASPAS. The model evaluates the maintenance options of Türkiye’s largest printing company, which operates under time-constrained processes, in a real-world case study proving the merit of the proposed methodology.