Finite Buffer Closed Lines
 
 

• We can think of these lines as being like infinite buffer closed lines, except with additional constraints on the number of jobs permitted between stations.
• The limit on jobs between stations could be for physical reasons (e.g., limited space or restrictions on the time a job can reside there) or logical reasons (e.g., a kanban system).  The logistical consequences of limited buffers are the same regardless of the reason for their existence.
• If the buffers are sufficiently large such that they virtually never get full under normal operating conditions, then the behavior of the system will be essentially that of the infinite buffer case and hence can be analyzed as such.
• If the buffers do fill up, then the blocking they cause serves to reduce the throughput for a given inventory level relative to the infinite buffer case.

 
• Example: A line that behaves like a closed finite buffer line.

 
• Principles: The underlying science and principle behind these lines.

 
• Diagnostics: Enter data for a system and compare performance against an internal benchmark.

 
• Improvement Strategies: Explore options and handles existing for improving an existing line.