Analyzing the Time Buffer in the Theory of Constraints Based Lean Operations

摘要

This paper uses quantitative methods to estimate the size of the time buffer in lean operation controlled by the Theory of Constraints (TOC). The main focus of the operations system of TOC is the identification and management of constraints. To protect the constraints, they should be buffered with time buffers, which protect the system's output from the disruptions and fluctuations. Despite the importance of time buffers, the approaches to identifying the size of time buffer in literature are very empirical. In this paper, a queuing theory based method is applied to calculate the time buffer sizes.