Buffer

The location between each operation in a production line that contains in-process parts. Typically a conveyor, roller-rack, or CML (continuously-moving-line).

The size of the buffer is governed by the average cycle times for each operation. A machine with a low cycle time feeding to a machine with a higher cycle time will typically have a large buffer in order to prevent blocking the first machine.

See also Level of Buffering and Lean Buffering.