What Is a Decoupling Buffer?

A decoupling buffer is a specific type of buffer storage used in flow production to prevent the entire line from stopping when random machine downtimes occur. In tightly linked production lines, a single failure can halt the whole process. However, by placing buffers between workstations, disruptions in one area don’t affect the entire system.

For example, if the third station in a line experiences downtime, the second station can continue operating and store its semi-finished products before station three. At the same time, the fourth station can continue working by drawing from the output buffer after station three.