CPIM Practice Exam

What does buffer management emphasize in a production setting?

1. Increased inventory levels at all times

2. Expediting based on scheduled buffers

3. Disregarding constraints in resource allocation

4. Scheduling jobs based only on employee preferences

The correct answer is: Expediting based on scheduled buffers

Buffer management emphasizes the use of scheduled buffers to ensure that production processes can proceed smoothly and efficiently. The primary goal is to manage and monitor these buffers effectively, allowing for a clear understanding of the flow of materials and workload within the production environment. By focusing on scheduled buffers, it helps mitigate delays and disruptions caused by variability in production processes. These buffers serve as safety stocks or time buffers that protect against uncertainties, such as machine breakdowns or fluctuations in demand. The correct approach encourages the timely expediting of tasks that are behind schedule while also providing insights into which areas of production may need attention to improve overall efficiency. Increasing inventory levels at all times would not be sustainable or cost-effective in the long run and does not align with the lean principles that buffer management incorporates. Disregarding resource allocation constraints would likely lead to inefficiencies and bottlenecks in production. Additionally, scheduling jobs solely based on employee preferences ignores the operational priorities and production requirements, which can adversely affect productivity. Therefore, the emphasis on scheduled buffers in buffer management fosters a more effective and responsive production environment.