A novel algorithm for optimal buffer allocation in automated asynchronous unreliable lines

The Buffer Allocation Problem is a well-known optimization problem aiming at determining the optimal buffer sizes in a manufacturing system composed by various machines decoupled by buffers. This problem still has scientific relevance because of problem complexity and trade-off between conflicting goals. Moreover, it assumes industrial relevance in reconfigurable manufacturing lines, where buffer sizes can be easily adapted to the production scenario. This work proposes a novel algorithm integrating performance evaluation and optimization by means of throughput cuts based on a linear approximation. Numerical results show the validity of the proposed approach with respect to the traditional gradient-based method. Moreover, an industrial case study integrating the proposed approach into a decision-support system for the buffer allocation and reallocation is analyzed.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new algorithm for the buffer allocation problem, which integrates performance evaluation and optimization based on linear approximation. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed method compared to traditional methods. Additionally, an industrial case study incorporating the proposed method into a decision-support system for buffer allocation and reallocation is analyzed.