Article ID: | iaor20002701 |
Country: | United Kingdom |
Volume: | 38 |
Issue: | 2 |
Start Page Number: | 353 |
End Page Number: | 364 |
Publication Date: | Jan 2000 |
Journal: | International Journal of Production Research |
Authors: | Miltenburg John |
Keywords: | buffer allocation |
Consider a synchronized line performing assembly or fabrication tasks. Tasks are grouped into stations and stations are positioned on a line that is U-shaped. Stations may break down and be repaired. Small buffer inventories may be placed between stations to lessen the effect of breakdowns at one station on production at other stations. This paper investigates the effect of the U-shape of the line on the line effectiveness. We find that effectiveness increases when the line is U-shaped, compared with the traditional straight line shape.