Buffer Allocation Using 6 Steps OBA Method: A Case Study

What is it about?

This paper utilized a simulation software to determine an optimal buffer allocation for any unpaced production line when a set of buffer quantity is known. . The optimal buffer allocation will give the highest throughput rate (productivity) to the production line. From the simulation result, a trend of relation between mean processing time trend of the stations in the production line and buffer allocation configuration of the buffer slots were studied. It was concluded that for any unpaced production line, the best throughput rate of the production line will be obtained if the buffer allocation configuration follow the mean processing time trend. By applying this concept, a mathematical relation was formed results in a development of a technique called 6 Steps OBA (Optimal Buffer Allocation) method.

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Why is it important?

The 6 Steps OBA method was developed by using a simulation software. In order to validate the results obtained and the effectiveness of applying the 6 Steps OBA method, a case study carried out to test the result from the method versus the actual result at manufacturing line (one of a multinational manufacturer for computer peripheral devices in Malaysia). From the validation result, it was proven that if the production line follows a buffer allocation given by 6 Steps OBA method, the best throughput rate (productivity) would be gained by the production line. Hence, any manufacturing company practicing an unpaced production line could apply this 6 Steps OBA method.

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