A simulation analysis of the effectiveness of drum-buffer-rope scheduling in furniture manufacturing

Abstract Simulation has proven to be an important computer tool in analyziing new manufacturing approaches. In this paper we use simulation models to compare a new approach to manufacturing with current practices. The new approach is referred to as the Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR) method of synchronous manufacturing. We discuss the DBR approach and demonstrate the application of DBR in a furniture manufacturing case example. Simulation models are used to compare the DBR approach with the typical system of production control referred to as a cutting approach. The simulation analysis indicates considerable savings in makespan are possible when DBR is used in place of the cutting approach.