Buffer levels and choice of material handling device in flexible manufacturing systems

The determination of buffer sizes is a key issue in the design of a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). A study of FMS installations and the systems indicates the relationship between the buffer capacity and the type of primary and secondary Material handling Systems (MHSs) employed. A priori knowledge about the buffer requirements enables the FMS designer to select appropriate MHS devices. This paper addresses the issue of determining buffer capacities through simulation. Using response surface methodology for efficient experimentation, the best combination of central and local buffer is obtained.