Batik craftsman using data visualization to select raw materials.

Decoding the Best Raw Material Suppliers for Batik Craft: A Data-Driven Guide

Beau Callahan in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Learn how an integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model is revolutionizing supplier selection in the Lasem batik industry, ensuring quality and efficiency."

Batik, recognized by UNESCO as an Indonesian cultural heritage, holds significant economic value, with exports reaching USD 156 million in 2015. Maintaining the quality and authenticity of batik requires careful attention to the supply chain, especially the selection of raw material suppliers.

The traditional batik industry faces challenges in raw material procurement, including inconsistent quality, unreliable delivery, and price volatility. These issues can directly impact the final product and the livelihoods of batik craftsmen.

This article explores a case study in Lasem, Indonesia, where an integrated fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) model was implemented to evaluate raw material supplier performance. This data-driven approach helps craftsmen make informed decisions, ensuring they source the best materials for their craft.

How the Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS Model Works

Batik craftsman using data visualization to select raw materials.

The integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model provides a structured framework for evaluating suppliers based on multiple criteria. It combines the strengths of both methods to overcome their individual limitations. Fuzzy AHP is used to determine the weight or importance of each criterion, while TOPSIS ranks the suppliers based on their performance against these criteria.

Here's a breakdown of the key criteria considered in the model:

Price: Evaluated based on low price, free distribution costs, and discounts for bulk orders.
Quality: Assessed by achieving minimum standards, durability, and low rejection rates from customers.
Delivery: Focuses on on-time delivery, short delivery times, product condition upon arrival, and accuracy of the order.
Flexibility: Measures the supplier's ability to adapt to changing demands and offer variations in materials.
Service: Considers ease of claim process, order process, communication, and information delivery.

The Lasem batik writing center case study involved evaluating suppliers of fabrics, dyes, and wax. Experts in the field were consulted to provide input on the relative importance of each criterion and the performance of different suppliers. The data was then analyzed using the fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS methods to generate a ranking of the best suppliers for each material.

Key Takeaways for Batik Craftsmen

The study's findings highlight the importance of quality as the most critical factor in raw material selection for batik production. Craftsmen should prioritize suppliers who can consistently deliver high-quality materials that meet durability standards and minimize rejection rates.

The best suppliers identified in the Lasem case study were LI for fabrics, PA for dyes, and SL for wax. However, the model allows for flexibility, recognizing that different suppliers may excel in specific areas. Craftsmen should consider their individual needs and priorities when making sourcing decisions.

By adopting a data-driven approach to supplier selection, batik craftsmen can improve the efficiency and quality of their production process, ultimately contributing to the preservation and promotion of this important cultural heritage.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1051/matecconf/201820402014, Alternate LINK

Title: An Integrated Fuzzy Ahp And Topsis Model For Evaluating The Performance Of Raw Material Suppliers: A Case Study In Lasem Batik Writing Centre

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: MATEC Web of Conferences

Publisher: EDP Sciences

Authors: Diana Puspita Sari, Wismar Rizki Wijayanti, Adhie Prayogo, M. Mujiya Ulkhaq, Dyah Ika Rinawati

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does the integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model assist batik craftsmen in selecting raw material suppliers?

The integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model helps Lasem batik craftsmen make data-driven decisions about raw material suppliers. It uses Fuzzy AHP to weigh criteria like price, quality, delivery, flexibility, and service, and then TOPSIS ranks the suppliers based on their performance against these weighted criteria. This ensures the best suppliers are chosen for fabrics, dyes, and wax.

What are the key criteria used in the integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model for evaluating raw material suppliers for batik?

The key criteria for raw material supplier selection are Price, Quality, Delivery, Flexibility, and Service. Price looks at low costs, free distribution, and discounts. Quality considers minimum standards, durability, and low rejection rates. Delivery focuses on timeliness, speed, condition of goods, and order accuracy. Flexibility is about adapting to changing demands. Service includes ease of claims, ordering, communication, and information delivery.

What is the specific role of Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS within the integrated model, and why are both methods necessary?

Fuzzy AHP determines the importance of each criterion (price, quality, delivery, etc.) by incorporating expert opinions and handling uncertainty. TOPSIS then uses these weights to rank suppliers based on how closely their performance matches the ideal solution. By combining both methods, the resulting model is more robust and accurate than if either method were used alone. Fuzzy AHP's ability to deal with vagueness inherent in qualitative judgments is combined with TOPSIS's ranking capabilities to assist in decision-making.

According to the findings in Lasem, what is the most important factor in selecting raw material suppliers, and what are the implications for batik craftsmen?

The study in Lasem found that quality is the most critical factor for raw material selection in batik production. This implies that batik craftsmen should prioritize suppliers who consistently deliver high-quality materials meeting durability standards and minimizing rejection rates. Neglecting factors like pricing or delivery times can significantly impact the final batik product's acceptance and market value.

Beyond the Lasem batik industry, how can the integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model be applied to other contexts or industries?

While the case study focuses on Lasem batik, the integrated fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS model can be adapted for other regions and industries facing similar supplier selection challenges. The criteria and weights can be adjusted to reflect specific requirements, and the model can be extended to include other considerations such as sustainability or ethical sourcing. The methodology can also be applied to evaluating any supply chain with a need for rigorous, data-driven supplier assessment.