Application of multi-criteria decision-making models in dairy product storage processes

Abstract

This paper investigates the application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models in dairy product storage processes. The study considers key decision criteria, including temperature, relative humidity, CO₂ concentration, energy consumption, and product quality and safety. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to determine the relative importance (weights) of the decision criteria based on pairwise comparisons, while the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method is applied to rank alternative storage strategies by measuring their distances from ideal and anti-ideal solutions. In addition, fuzzy logic is used to address uncertainty and variability in storage conditions under real operational environments. The results demonstrate that the integrated application of AHP, TOPSIS, and fuzzy logic enables the selection of an optimal storage strategy that ensures product quality preservation, improves energy efficiency, and maintains microbiological safety. The proposed approach provides a scientifically grounded and practical decision-support framework for optimizing dairy product storage systems.