CF Dictionary · Theory of Constraints Terms
Buffer (ToC)
Extra capacity or inventory placed in front of a step (especially a bottleneck) to absorb variance.
A buffer in ToC is extra capacity or inventory placed in front of a step — usually the bottleneck — to absorb variance and keep the bottleneck fed.
Why buffers
- The bottleneck can't run out of work. A starved bottleneck wastes expensive capacity.
- Variance is real. Downstream steps fluctuate.
- Margins protect against surprise. A buffer is margin by design.
Buffer vs. inventory
- Inventory. Idle stuff sitting around.
- Buffer. Deliberately-placed idle stuff protecting the bottleneck.
ToC distinguishes: a buffer is strategic; inventory is often accidental.
Where to place buffers
- In front of the bottleneck. Most important.
- In front of critical steps. Anything with high cost of starvation.
- Not in front of excess-capacity steps. They don't need protection.
CF's adoption
CF treats buffers as a general design principle:
- Time buffers. Margin around deadlines.
- Skill buffers. Skills beyond current need.
- Resource buffers. Money, energy, attention in reserve.
- Practice as buffer. Automated skills don't fail when tired.
"Buffer: Having extra parts in front of a workstation to protect against variance." — LessWrong summary of CF