The Optimal Initial Buffer and Cycle Time Design for Improving Lean Production Automation Line Efficiency

Optimizing the size and location of storage buffer between machines is critical issues in designing efficient production automation line. The objective of the study is to propose the optimal design of the initial buffer size as well as the suitable machine cycle time to increase the efficiency of the automation line. In this study, the production system consists of three machines with two buffers are placed between them is considered. There is a regular downtime for maintenance at the second machine, which results in lower production efficiency. The production simulation on cloud is used for modelling and demonstrating the concept. The experimental results revealed the proposed optimal initial buffer and the proposed cycle time of maintenance station could yield the maximum production line efficiency.