# Remanufacturing Shoemaking Machine: Feasibility Study Using AHP and DEMATEL Approach
## 3 Methodology
### Limitation  
Remanufacturing, a cornerstone of circular economy, aims to eliminate waste and resource depletion through product recovery and reuse. However, challenges persist from both OEMs and end users. OEM challenges include:  
* Design: Lack of remanufacturing considerations during initial design (e.g., focusing solely on functionality and cost) hinders remanufacturing potential. * Process: Product variety complicates standardization of remanufacturing processes. * Capability: Insufficient knowledge, skilled personnel, and capacity for remanufacturing within OEMs. Logistics: Increased costs associated with reverse logistics like product collection and transportation. * Market cannibalization: Remanufactured products competing with new ones, potentially impacting overall revenue. * Quality assurance: Lack of established and trusted quality certification systems for remanufactured products. End-user challenges include:
* Price sensitivity: Customers expect significant price discounts for remanufactured products compared to new ones. * Uncertainty about quality: Concerns regarding the quality and reliability of remanufactured products. * Information asymmetry: Reluctance of OEMs to share remanufacturing knowledge and tools with third parties. * Financing difficulties: Difficulty securing financing for remanufacturing projects due to perceived higher risk. Figure 1 illustrates the linkage between OEM/end-user challenges and the key evaluation elements. Table 2 summarizes the key barriers hindering shoemaking machine remanufacturing. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline
**Key Barriers** & **Content** & **References** \\ \hline \multirow{6}{*}{Process} & Product variety creates complexity in remanufacturing due to the unpredictable quality of returned products. This complexity discourages multi-product remanufacturing and steers existing research towards standardization strategies like Product Family Design (PFD) and modularity for smoother circular supply chains. & [27] \\ \cline{2-3}  & Several factors hinder DfR integration: poor communication in design teams, lack of DfR focus, and non-standard parts with limited availability and long lead times. These issues create delays and unnecessary operations during remanufacturing. Seven lean manufacturing principles are potential solutions to tackle these remanufacturing challenges and achieve shorter lead times: standard operation, continuous flow, Kanban, teamwork, factory layout for continuous flow, employee cross-training and learning through problem solving, and supplier partnership. & [28] \\ \cline{2-3}  & High product variety, once praised for customers, is now seen as harming profits due to complexities in recycling, remanufacturing, and resale. Closed-loop supply chains, considering both production and end-of-life processes, are emerging to address this challenge. & [29] \\ \hline \multirow{6}{*}{Capability} & This study highlights eight critical factors for successful OEM remanufacturing: acquiring cores, managing reverse logistics, securing skilled labor, developing appropriate facilities and processes, designing for remanufacturing, gathering market intelligence, and implementing effective planning and control. & [30] \\ \cline{2-3}  & Focusing on Thailand’s auto parts industry, this study reveals business feasibility as the key driver for remanufacturing, with mature products being most suitable. While skilled labor and technical expertise are important, environmental factors have less influence. This emphasizes the importance of both a company’s capabilities and the product’s fit for remanufacturing. & [31] \\ \cline{2-3}  & Respondents in this study were more optimistic about overcoming market and technology challenges (lack of knowledge, technology) within 5-10 years compared to core availability (volume, quality) issues. Additional concerns include increased management costs from mixed-brand cores, negative market influences, and competition from low-quality, uncertified repairs.