This paper proposes an efficient heuristic algorithm to solve the problem of allocating the buffers in a production line for given total buffer capacity and the minimum required throughput. While the traditional research has focused on the problem of allocating the buffer capacity to maximize the throughput, the objective of minimizing the average Work-In-Process (WIP) is considered. Minimization of the WIP in the production line has drawn much attention in many practical applications, due to the growing efforts in reducing the production lead times for faster customer response. Two heuristics are proposed and compared to solve the problem. One is a very simple heuristic approach, and the other is a modified 'Non-SEVA' (Non-Standard Exchange Vector Algorithm) which was originally proposed by Seong et al . ( International Journal of Production Research, 33, 1989-2005, 1995) for the throughput maximization problem. Through computational tests, the efficiency of the proposed approach is shown.
Allocation of buffer capacity to minimize average work-in-process
Reprints and Corporate Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:
Academic Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:
If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.
Related Research Data
Related research
People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.
Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.
Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.