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3.1.1. Run Buffer Status by Planner Code

When you run buffer status by planner code, you are running the constraint management system. This utility, when it is run, scans through your data and then updates the buffer status for items in the specified planner code(s) using the most current information.

Because buffer status information is time-sensitive, you must run the system frequently (i.e., daily) to keep your statuses up-to-date. In fact, the various buffer status displays will not even show status information if constraint management has not been run on the day when you're trying to view buffer status information. This built-in requirement prevents you from using information that is not current.

Note

The critical buffer status in the constraint management system is 66%. In other words, any time you consume 66% of a buffer, then it's time to act immediately to resolve the situation. The 66% value is a percentage that is widely used in academic research and practical real-world implementations of the Theory of Constraints—a theory pioneered by Eliyahu Goldratt.

After the buffer status utility has been run, you may view the constraint management displays which pertain to the affected items—and then decide whether to take immediate action based on the newly-updated status values.

To run buffer status by planner code, go to Schedule > Constrain Management > Update Status > by Planner Code. The following screen will appear:

Run Buffer Status by Planner Code

When running buffer status by planner code, you are presented with the following options:

All Planner Codes

Select to update the buffer status for item sites in all planner codes.

Selected

Specify planner code whose item site buffer statuses you want to update.

Pattern

Enter a planner code pattern to select a range of planner codes. Refine your search using regular expressions.

All Sites

Select to update buffer statuses by planner code in all sites.

Selected

Specify site where buffer status updates should occur.

The following buttons are unique to this screen:

CREATE

Runs the buffer status update by planner code, using the specified parameters.