How-to
Set up a buffer component on a Buffer
Management System
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Understanding a buffer component............................................................................................................ 3
2. Adding the buffer component ....................................................................................................................... 4
2.1
Completing the buffer component ..............................................................................................................................8
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 1
16 February 2023
Date
Version
May 4
1.0
© 2023 WiseTech Global
Description of Change
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 2
16 February 2023
Introduction
This document explains how a buffer component is configured on a Buffer Management System
(BMS).
Buffer components are incorporated into a Buffer Management System (BMS) to provide better
visualization of the flow of work, lead time of new work, and the predictability and degree of
control of work as it moves through the system. When work is transferred from a bucket to a
buffer component, it should be ready to be worked on and prioritized.
1. Understanding a buffer component
A buffer component is configured with a timespan (the ‘Buffer Timespan’), which represents the
time during which you expect the tasks within a workflow to be completed once they become
available to be worked on. When determining the length of time of a buffer, consideration must
be given to the expected turnaround time of the work, the variability and complexity of the job,
the number of resources involved, and the possibility of handover delays which may occur from
one resource to the next.
A process that is considered straightforward, can be done quickly and easily with minimal
variation would suit a short buffer. While a process considered large, complex, has substantial
amounts of variation from one job to the next, requires multiple resources, and may have
handover delays between resources would best be served on an extended buffer.
The length of time on a buffer is determined by the buffer timespan input into the buffer
component of the BMS. Work will age on the buffer in accordance with the working hours set on
the aging department of that buffer component.
The example below shows a buffer component as part of an existing BMS. In this case, the buffer
has a three hour timespan. The three hours will elapse according to the working hours of the
buffer Aging Department.
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 3
16 February 2023
You should already know how to create a new Buffer Management System. This document
will look at how to add a buffer component to an existing BMS.
2. Adding the buffer component
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 4
16 February 2023
Components are added under the System Schematic tab in the Schematic section.
1.
Set the Sequence.
2.
Add the Component Name.
3.
Select BUF Buffer from the Type drop-down menu.
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 5
16 February 2023
Field
Description
The ideal range when Non-CCR resources hand-over to CCR
Component Offset
resources. More details on this can be found in update note
Constrained Mode Visualization and Release Rules
The buffer time span represents the time period during which you
Buffer Timespan
expect the tasks within a workflow to be completed once they
become available and release to the buffer.
The buffer load limit determines the percentage of time within the
Buffer Load Limit
buffer period window that an employee is available. For more details
Percent
on setting a Buffer load limit please refer update note Cap introduced
on resource capacity.
The specified time after the task’s parent workflow is released to a
buffer component where the task is assigned to a capability. For more
Auto Assign Tasks
Age
details on Auto Assignment on please refer to BUF-BM-M3CW: How do
I configure auto task assignment based on available capacity?
Constraint Threshold
The ideal range when Non-CCR resources hand-over to CCR
resources. More details on this can be found in update note
Multiplier
“Constrained Mode Visualization and Release Rules”
A value between 1 to 9 can be set – with 1 often recommended.
Non-CCR Overload
Multiplier
© 2023 WiseTech Global
The ideal range when Non-CCR resources hand-over to CCR
resources. More details on this can be found in update note
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 6
16 February 2023
Field
Description
Constrained Mode Visualization and Release Rules
A value between 1 to 9 can be set – with 1 often recommended.
Aging Branch
The Branch that is used to take any considerations of Public Holidays
included against the buffer.
Aging Department
The Department used to calculate the aging of items on the board.
The Graphical Schematic will look something like this, depending on your components. You can
see the three-hour timespan for the Working buffer component.
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 7
16 February 2023
2.1 Completing the buffer component
Once you have the buffer component added you’ll need to set the Configuration, Component
Links, along with the Filter Rules for the new buffer component based on your business needs.
This process is the same as for any component.
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 8
16 February 2023
You should already know how to create a new Buffer Management System and be familiar
with the Component Links and Filter Rules. For more information please refer to 1BUF017 –
How do I set up a Buffer Management System.
Support: Press the F1 key from anywhere within CargoWise to raise an eRequest.
© 2023 WiseTech Global
How-to Set up a buffer component on a Buffer Management System | | 9
16 February 2023