In the rapidly evolving landscapes of manufacturing and sustainability, two frameworks have emerged as potential game changers: the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and the Analytic Network Process (ANP). These methods offer robust avenues for evaluating strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 interconnected global objectives established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Their combined application promises a more holistic and efficient approach to lifting industries towards sustainable practices that are crucial in today’s competitive market.
Manufacturers worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of aligning their operations with the SDGs. The urgency to embrace sustainable practices stems not only from regulatory pressures but also from consumer demands for responsibility in production processes. As industries grapple with their environmental footprints, digital transformation and lean manufacturing have surfaced as essential methodologies to enhance operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing waste and resource consumption. These practices aim to streamline processes, provide real-time insights, and improve overall performance metrics.
The ISM approach focuses on the relationships between different elements and variables in a system. By delineating how various factors influence one another, organizations can better understand the complexities of their operations. In the context of achieving the SDGs, ISM serves as a pathway to identify critical dependencies among various sustainability initiatives. This insight is invaluable for decision-makers, enabling them to prioritize actions that will yield the highest impact. The structured modeling allows businesses to visualize the challenges and opportunities they face, creating a sharper focus on sustainable advancements.
Meanwhile, the ANP complements ISM by adding a depth of complexity to the decision-making process. While ISM helps to clarify relationships among key factors, the ANP evaluates these factors based on their importance and influence. This multi-criteria decision-making tool considers feedback loops and interdependencies across various elements, enabling organizations to make well-informed choices. By employing ANP alongside ISM, companies can develop a more comprehensive understanding of how various sustainability strategies align with their operational goals while maximizing resource allocation effectively.
The integration of these two frameworks creates a powerful synergy that can bolster efforts to meet the SDGs. By leveraging digital manufacturing technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced analytics, businesses can glean insights that drive continuous improvement. Connecting data from various touchpoints enables manufacturers to optimize processes in real-time, thereby enhancing productivity while reducing material waste. This connection is particularly vital as industries work towards implementing circular economy principles, which emphasize the importance of resource efficiency and waste minimization.
Lean manufacturing plays a critical role within this framework as well. By eliminating non-value-added activities and focusing on continuous improvement, lean principles foster an environment of efficiency that is essential for sustainable operations. When combined with digital technologies, lean practices can be further enhanced, allowing for smarter decision-making and agility in responding to market changes. This flexibility is crucial for organizations striving to align themselves with evolving sustainability standards and consumer expectations.
Achieving SDGs is not merely a checkbox for companies; it requires a fundamental shift in how they think about their business models. Companies must embed sustainability into their core strategies, fostering a culture where every employee is engaged in pursuing these goals. This cultural transformation, complemented by frameworks such as ISM and ANP, can facilitate a more significant impact and promote long-term sustainability as a true organizational value.
The ongoing research conducted by Agarwal and Ojha establishes clear methodologies that can serve as blueprints for industries looking to embrace these changes. Their findings emphasize that digitization, when aligned with lean manufacturing principles, can trigger a paradigm shift in operational practices, ushering in a new era of sustainable production. As industries adopt these models, there is a palpable ripple effect, encouraging other sectors and organizations to follow suit, thereby catalyzing a global movement towards sustainability.
Nevertheless, barriers persist. The implementation of these frameworks is often impeded by a lack of understanding or awareness among stakeholders. Organizations may struggle with resistance to change, especially when existing workflows are deeply ingrained. To overcome such challenges, ongoing education and training programs are essential to help teams recognize the benefits of this integration. Stakeholders need to understand the long-term value proposition that sustainability offers—both for the planet and for the bottom line.
Moreover, regulatory frameworks must evolve in tandem with industry strategies to create a conducive environment for sustainable practices. Policymakers and industry leaders must collaborate to establish supportive infrastructures that incentivize businesses to prioritize sustainability. Such a partnership can lead to the creation of cohesive strategies that not only benefit individual organizations but also foster a competitive landscape geared towards responsible practices.
As we move further into the digital age, the role of advanced analytics will only become more integral to manufacturing. Utilizing big data and machine learning can streamline operational efficiencies and uncover insights that were previously unattainable. This continual evolution of technology must be harnessed to drive sustainability initiatives forward, allowing for new innovations that align with SDGs. Organizations that embrace these advancements will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing—redefining their market roles while championing sustainability.
With the groundwork laid by Agarwal and Ojha, the message is clear: an integrated ISM-ANP framework can serve as a transformative tool for businesses striving to achieve SDGs through digital and lean manufacturing. By intertwining these methodologies with a commitment to sustainability, industries can embark on a journey toward not only enhancing their operational efficiencies but also contributing positively to society and the environment. The time for action is now; the integration of these advanced frameworks holds the key to unlocking a more sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, as manufacturers navigate this critical juncture of transformation, they must remember that sustainability is not a destination but a continuous journey. The ISM-ANP framework offers a structured approach to chart this course, enabling organizations to refine their strategies and adopt practices that will lead to lasting change. By committing to sustainability as a core principle and embracing digital and lean methodologies, industries can not only comply with regulations but also inspire future generations towards a healthier planet.
Ultimately, the proactive pursuit of these frameworks sets a precedent for responsible manufacturing. It sends a message that innovation aligned with environmental and social considerations is not just possible but essential in today’s market. Thus, the dialogue surrounding sustainability must persist, continually evolving as new technologies and practices emerge, ensuring that the industry remains committed to a more sustainable future for all.
Subject of Research: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Manufacturing
Article Title: An Integrated ISM-ANP Framework and Analysis for Achieving SDGs through Digital and Lean Manufacturing
Article References: Agarwal, A., Ojha, R. An integrated ISM-ANP framework and analysis for achieving SDGs through digital and lean manufacturing. Discov Sustain (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02514-w
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-025-02514-w
Keywords: ISM, ANP, SDGs, Digital Manufacturing, Lean Manufacturing, Sustainability, Manufacturing Innovation, Circular Economy, Advanced Analytics
