Optimization of buffer design for mixed-model sequential production line based on simulation and reinforcement learning.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Optimization of buffer design for mixed-model sequential production line based on simulation and reinforcement learning.
Authors: Choi, Jonghwan1 (AUTHOR) lgm3@g.skku.edu, Park, Jisoo1 (AUTHOR) jisoo7589@g.skku.edu, Noh, Sang Do1 (AUTHOR) sdnoh@skku.edu, Lee, Ju Yeon2 (AUTHOR) jylee@seoultech.ac.kr
Source: Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. Dec2025, Vol. 36 Issue 8, p5695-5714. 20p.
Subjects: Reinforcement learning, Buffer storage (Computer science), Mass customization, Manufacturing processes, Assembly line methods, Resource allocation, Industrial efficiency, Computer simulation
Abstract: Recently, as the market environment changes rapidly and customer demands diversify, the manufacturing paradigm is shifting towards mass customization and personalization. Consequently, companies are striving to establish optimal production systems that emphasize flexibility and efficiency. In particular, sequential production lines utilizing several machines have recently transitioned to small-batch production, particularly for the manufacture of automobiles and printed circuit boards (PCBs). In the context of mixed-model sequential production lines, production processes become complicated and uncertain, resulting in various challenges, such as varying processing times for each machine based on the product and setup times for machines when products change. A production buffer between machines can serve as an effective solution to these challenges by enhancing efficiency and productivity through improved material flow between sequential production processes. However, production lines often face constraints in terms of available space for buffer allocation, and the associated costs must also be considered. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a Buffer Allocation Problem (BAP) method that accounts for these factors. This paper proposes a simulation and reinforcement learning-based buffer optimization method designed to derive the optimal number, size, and location of buffers for mixed-model sequential production lines while considering both spatial and cost constraints. The proposed method's system framework is presented, with defined components, including a reinforcement learning module for optimal buffer information and a discrete event simulation module to assess rewards in the learning process. The optimization method is validated through application in a real-world manufacturing site, presented as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Full text is not displayed to guests.
FullText Links:
  – Type: pdflink
Text:
  Availability: 1
Header DbId: egs
DbLabel: Engineering Source
An: 189056615
AccessLevel: 6
PubType: Academic Journal
PubTypeId: academicJournal
PreciseRelevancyScore: 0
IllustrationInfo
Items – Name: Title
  Label: Title
  Group: Ti
  Data: Optimization of buffer design for mixed-model sequential production line based on simulation and reinforcement learning.
– Name: Author
  Label: Authors
  Group: Au
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Choi%2C+Jonghwan%22">Choi, Jonghwan</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> lgm3@g.skku.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Park%2C+Jisoo%22">Park, Jisoo</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> jisoo7589@g.skku.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Noh%2C+Sang+Do%22">Noh, Sang Do</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> sdnoh@skku.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Lee%2C+Ju+Yeon%22">Lee, Ju Yeon</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> jylee@seoultech.ac.kr</i>
– Name: TitleSource
  Label: Source
  Group: Src
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Journal+of+Intelligent+Manufacturing%22">Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing</searchLink>. Dec2025, Vol. 36 Issue 8, p5695-5714. 20p.
– Name: Subject
  Label: Subjects
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Reinforcement+learning%22">Reinforcement learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Buffer+storage+%28Computer+science%29%22">Buffer storage (Computer science)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mass+customization%22">Mass customization</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Manufacturing+processes%22">Manufacturing processes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Assembly+line+methods%22">Assembly line methods</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Resource+allocation%22">Resource allocation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Industrial+efficiency%22">Industrial efficiency</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+simulation%22">Computer simulation</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Recently, as the market environment changes rapidly and customer demands diversify, the manufacturing paradigm is shifting towards mass customization and personalization. Consequently, companies are striving to establish optimal production systems that emphasize flexibility and efficiency. In particular, sequential production lines utilizing several machines have recently transitioned to small-batch production, particularly for the manufacture of automobiles and printed circuit boards (PCBs). In the context of mixed-model sequential production lines, production processes become complicated and uncertain, resulting in various challenges, such as varying processing times for each machine based on the product and setup times for machines when products change. A production buffer between machines can serve as an effective solution to these challenges by enhancing efficiency and productivity through improved material flow between sequential production processes. However, production lines often face constraints in terms of available space for buffer allocation, and the associated costs must also be considered. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a Buffer Allocation Problem (BAP) method that accounts for these factors. This paper proposes a simulation and reinforcement learning-based buffer optimization method designed to derive the optimal number, size, and location of buffers for mixed-model sequential production lines while considering both spatial and cost constraints. The proposed method's system framework is presented, with defined components, including a reinforcement learning module for optimal buffer information and a discrete event simulation module to assess rewards in the learning process. The optimization method is validated through application in a real-world manufacturing site, presented as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=egs&AN=189056615
RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1007/s10845-024-02525-w
    Languages:
      – Code: eng
        Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 20
        StartPage: 5695
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Reinforcement learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Buffer storage (Computer science)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mass customization
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Manufacturing processes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Assembly line methods
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Resource allocation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Industrial efficiency
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer simulation
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Optimization of buffer design for mixed-model sequential production line based on simulation and reinforcement learning.
        Type: main
  BibRelationships:
    HasContributorRelationships:
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Choi, Jonghwan
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Park, Jisoo
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Noh, Sang Do
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Lee, Ju Yeon
    IsPartOfRelationships:
      – BibEntity:
          Dates:
            – D: 01
              M: 12
              Text: Dec2025
              Type: published
              Y: 2025
          Identifiers:
            – Type: issn-print
              Value: 09565515
          Numbering:
            – Type: volume
              Value: 36
            – Type: issue
              Value: 8
          Titles:
            – TitleFull: Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing
              Type: main
ResultId 1