CPIM Practice Exam

In DBR, what role do buffers play in performance management?

1. They hinder throughput performance

2. They create excess inventory

3. They stabilize throughput and support due date management

4. They are used to increase production speed

The correct answer is: They stabilize throughput and support due date management

In the context of Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR), buffers serve a crucial role in performance management by stabilizing throughput and supporting due date management. Buffers are strategically positioned inventory that act as a safeguard against variability in production processes, particularly at the drum, or constraint, resource. The presence of buffers allows operations to maintain a steady flow of work, ensuring that the constraint resource has enough materials to process without interruptions, thereby maximizing its throughput. By doing so, buffers help in managing the timing of the flow to ensure that finished goods are available to meet customer demand on time. This alignment of production with due dates promotes reliability in delivery schedules, which is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and managing overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, because buffers absorb fluctuations in the production process—such as delays or variations in processing times—they prevent these variances from affecting the overall throughput of the system. This stabilizing effect allows the organization to better meet its commitments to customers while also optimizing resource utilization. Other options do not capture the essence of the role of buffers in DBR. Buffers do not hinder performance or create excess inventory; instead, they are designed to optimize throughput while keeping inventory levels in check relative to demand and production constraints. Therefore, the correct understanding