A scale transformation algorithm for buffer allocation in production lines with unreliable machines

In this paper, we consider the buffer allocation problem (BAP) in production lines with unreliable machines. The objective is to maximize the throughput of a line subject to a given total buffer capacity. We introduce the scale transformation principle for BAPs, i.e., a BAP with a large total capacity can be transformed into an equivalent BAP with a small total capacity. Based on this principle, we propose an efficient buffer allocation algorithm. Numerical experiments are performed to compare the performance of the proposed algorithm to that of a gradient algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm is as accurate as the gradient algorithm, while it reduces the computation time significantly. Therefore, the scale transformation algorithm has a great advantage in solving large-scale BAPs.