CPIM Practice Exam

In a production system, what is the primary purpose of a constraint buffer?

1. To increase output capacity.

2. To smoothen production flow during peak times.

3. To control work-in-process levels before bottlenecks.

4. To optimize resource allocation across all operations.

The correct answer is: To control work-in-process levels before bottlenecks.

The primary purpose of a constraint buffer is to control work-in-process levels before bottlenecks. This is crucial in production systems that follow the Theory of Constraints, which emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing bottlenecks to optimize overall throughput. By managing the amount of work-in-process that flows into a constraint or bottleneck, organizations can prevent overloading it, which would lead to decreased efficiency and increased lead times. The buffer acts as a protective measure, ensuring that the constrained resource has enough work to keep it productive without overwhelming the system. This results in smoother operations and helps maintain consistent output levels. While the other options touch on important aspects of production systems, they do not specifically address the key role of the constraint buffer in managing work-in-process relative to capacity limitations.