Multidimensional Identification of Key Problems ofa Production Company

This paper presents the application of multi-criteria analysis to support decision-making in the manufacturing industry, where resources are limited and problems are multifaceted. The DEMATEL method is employed, in which experts assess the direct impacts of problems on one another. By applying a threshold to the total influence matrix and computing the prominence (s+) and relation (s–) indices, the method generates a cause-and-effect diagram that clearly distinguishes factors that act as primary causes from those that serve as effects. An empirical case study conducted at an automotive components company reveals that the key problems requiring priority attention are the limited use of modern methodologies (e.g., Lean Manufacturing), high employee turnover, and frequent machine downtime. The findings illustrate that while several issues are present, only a few exhibit substantial causal impacts that, when addressed, can lead to significant improvements across the organisation. All in all, this work provides a framework for identifying critical factors in industrial decision-making processes.