OPTIMAL BUFFER ALLOCATION FOR UNPACED BALANCED AND UNBALANCED MEAN PROCESSING TIME

This article discusses an optimal buffer allocation for short unpaced production line and it is assumed reliable (no machines breakdown). The main parameters that affect the line are mean processing time (j) and its coefficient of variation (Cv). Eight different mean processing time distributions were studied. Each distribution was matched with 15 different buffer allocations. Simulation method was used to estimate the line throughput rate. The results showed that the allocation of buffers affect the throughput rate. For a reliable and balanced line, the optimum buffer allocation is by equally distributing the number of buffers to each buffer slot. In the case of an extra buffer is needed after equally distribution, it is placed at the center buffer slot. Meanwhile, the best buffer allocation shape for a line with unbalanced mean (with the assumption that each station is having fixed Cv and is reliable) follows the shape of the mean processing times of that line.